With a will to win and a drive to be the best at everything he does, senior Ethan Wright takes the mat every match and puts his all into every second.

“Ethan is just totally committed and involved in the sport. He trains not only at West Forsyth, but will also go to an after-school program and on the weekend after our practices and tournaments and train even more,” coach Jason Hooker said.

Wright has been wrestling since he was very young and has worked extremely hard to get to where he is now. He continuously puts in effort to make himself and the team better.

“Wright is one of the hardest working wrestlers on the team and shows so much growth for someone that isn’t necessarily an athlete but is willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to the sport,” Hooker said.

Wright’s dedication sets him far apart from many of the wrestlers because of his constant commitment to the sport, regardless of if he is in season or not.

“He has an extreme will to learn and he is so willing to try things that the coaching staff wants him to do. He listens and trusts us, which has played a huge part in his growth throughout the seasons,” Hooker said.

A leader’s job is not to do the work for others; it’s to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought they could ever be. Wright is a prime example of what a leader should be and makes an effort to make a difference in his teammates in every possible way.

“He is a leader. He leads by example. Even though he isn’t very vocal, he does the right things and sets the stage as far as expectations for being on the team,” Hooker said.

Being a leader comes with a lot of pressure and high expectations. But as a leader, you gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.

“Wrestling teaches you nothing comes easy. Nothing in life comes easy, so you have to work at it. Everything I do is to become better, the best ever and I’m not going to stop,” Wright said.  

As the season comes to an end and Wright’s wrestling journey will soon be over, his love for the sport will never subside, and he will continue to support his teammates on and off the mat.

“Everything I do is to become better, the best ever and I’m not going to stop regardless of whether I am on the team or not,” Wright said.    

Athlete role model: Randy Orton

Favorite show on Netflix: “Arrow”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite animal: Panther

Favorite quote: “Do your best and it will all pay off in the end.”