Palisade Junior, Teagan Young, is the Male Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Young is a varsity wrestler at the 120 lbs weight class. Young has been motivated since a youthful age by family to begin his wrestling career. “I have been wrestling for eight years. What got me into the sport was my dad.” Young’s family continues to be his biggest support and strong pillars in his life. “My biggest inspiration is my brother,” stated Young. “I’ve always wanted to be as good as he was.” Young had wrestled alongside his older brother, Keyton Young for two years before Keyton graduated in 2023.
Young finished out week one of this season with an undefeated record of 5-0. The Palisade Boys Wrestling team competed in the Pueblo Central Invitational Tournament on December 7th. Young not only took first place at the tournament, but he also beat a returning state finalist, 17-2. This achievement in the first week is just the beginning. Last year, Young had an astonishing run at the Colorado Wrestling State Tournament, which he believes is one of his biggest achievements. “My greatest accomplishment in wrestling would have to be placing at state,” said Young. At the State Tournament, Young took 3rd place in his weight class.
Although wrestling is an individual sport, this does not stop the team from coming together as teammates and sharing bonds. Young plays a role in this area as a leader who shares positivity. “I bring excitement and persistence to the team,” stated Young. Athletes who wrestle can use all of the encouragement and support from each other that they can get. Strength and endurance is paramount to successful performance. The challenges and the gifts that wrestling has to offer is what attracts Young’s passion for the sport. “My favorite thing about wrestling are the life skills that it teaches you,” stated Young. The skill that drives and leads Young to success is an indicator of his hard work and dedication. His contribution to the team and the positivity he brings drives motivation. Congratulations Teagan Young on Athlete of the Week!