It’s pretty simple: pin to win.

That is how senior wrestler Ben Root describes how to win these intense, physical wrestling matches, which are a joy to watch.

“I am happy with my performance on Friday,” Root said. “I was able to pin my kid quickly but nothing to be proud of.”

That’s the mentality that each wrestler on the team lives by. While it’s an accomplishment to pin their opponent, they’re always looking for ways to improve and to keep rolling for their next match.

“People should attend more matches because we’re a winning team who doesn’t like to see people beat each other up,” Root said. 

The Raider wrestling team was able to pull away from Plainfield last Friday, as they were able to take control of each opponent and figure out the weakness the opponent showed.

These matches are something special to watch, as we get to see the team take down opponents from all weight classes. Fans are encouraged to watch multiple matches that are equally filled with aggression and fierceness from each opponent.

“I felt really good about my performance,” senior Anthony Robinson said. “I have high expectations for myself this year so getting off to a good start is huge.”

Although impressed with the performance from the team, both Root and Robinson feel as if there is still so much to take care of throughout the season, as more opponents are ready to take on the Raiders.

While we see the Raiders wrestle in front of an audience that anticipates great competition, it is what happens behind the scenes that prove which wrestlers are ready to take on those important tasks. 

What happens in that compact wrestling room right next door to the performance on Friday evening, Dec. 17 shows the impact it has on the full stage. 

“We will definitely be in the wrestling room practicing to improve for next time,” Robinson said. “We wrestled well but there’s still a lot to improve especially with the young team we have.”

This wrestling team looks to continue to improve throughout the season, as they are looking for key players such as Root and Robinson to reach new heights such as states. 

SPF will look to continue their impressive performance as they take on Roselle Park at 7 PM, Tuesday, Dec. 21.