Anthony Valencia – St. John Bosco HS

How did you get into wrestling?

A: My dad used to watch my uncle wrestle when he was younger and my
dad fell in love with the sport, so he wanted to put my brother and I
into wrestling when I was 4 years old.

What makes wrestling different from other high school sports?

A: I believe wrestling is the toughest sport and all the training and
sacrifices I put myself through will help me become the best I can be.
I believe after wrestling, life would be easy.

How special was it to win state with your brother last season?

A: Winning state last year with my brother was a dream come true. It
was an amazing feeling that we can both be freshmen and win state
together and would have been nice if we won it 4 times, but God has a
plan and I know he gave both of us what we deserved.

Do you practice with Aaron Pico in the wrestling room?

A: Yes, I practice with Aaron Pico (Cheeks) and he is one of the best
partners I can have. We are both very competitive but we are a team
and we got each other’s backs. Iron sharpens iron and that’s what we
are doing. We are making each other better every time we practice.

What was going through your mind when Pagdilao got the takedown on you
in the third period?

A: I got the chills on my back and I couldn’t believe this was
happening. He wrestled me smart and his technicians figure me out from
the week before at Masters.

Was the most memorable moment in your High School Career?

A: The most memorable moment in my high school career was winning
state as a freshman with my brother, Zahid. We both set a new awesome
record by achieving this.

What’s the atmosphere like in the St. John Bosco High wrestling room?

A: We have very supportive teammates but as a full wrestling team we
do need some work. Bosco wrestling landed 4 Monster Garage guys (Aaron
Pico, Joseph Dominguez, Zahid Valencia, and me, Anthony Valencia.)
With us four and some help with other Bosco members took St. John
Bosco to a whole other level. The team broke many school records.

What are your goals for the future?

A: My goals for the future still vary, but I’d like to keep wrestling
and become an Olympian. Hopefully the Olympic committee brings back
wrestling. I’m sure they will.

Do you have a ritual you do before a wrestling match?

A: I just like to loosen up and not get to sweaty. I like to come out
fresh and ready to go.

Who has been the toughest opponent you have wrestled?

A: At a tournament I don’t really remember. Probably the guys I lost
to, but in the practice room, Aaron Pico is the toughest by far. He
has the strength of an ape. Wrestling with his strength every practice
helped me bump up a weight class that I’m walking around at and being
able to compete with the best in the state. I wanted the competition
and I got it!

What’s your favorite food in the off-season?

A: I really like Chilles Rellenos and Enchiladas but even though it’s
off season, I can’t stop eating those Cliff Bars. Especially the white
chocolate macadamia nut flavor.

Favorite TV show?

A: Don’t really have one but I’ve been watching episodes on Netflix
and my family and I are into “Lost”.

What would you rather do in your free time? Play games or read a good book?

A: I just like to kick back with my family and watch movies or
episodes on Netflix.

Something you would like everyone to know about you?

A: I am really strong in my faith and I know God has a plan for
everyone. I know that I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)