Ian Grubbs '24 Recruiting Profile

Wrestling is a sport that has won my respect, devotion, and love.  I was introduced to wrestling at five years old. My older brother was a wrestler and my dad was a coach. I suffered through being dragged to practice and tournaments throughout my youth. In my fourth grade year, I decided not to wrestle, but I realized I missed it and was back on the mat before the end of the season. I was an average youth wrestler learning to win some and lose some with dignity. I was more interested in science, computers, and rock climbing. Yet, wrestling was always part of my life, and over time, I found enjoyment in working out, drilling, playing games, and being part of the team. That's how it was until I moved from Wisconsin to Arizona during my sophomore year of high school. I moved from a small Christian school in Wisconsin to a large public high school in Arizona. It was challenging in every way. When wrestling started, it all turned around. On the mat, I found a sense of belonging, friendships, and a newfound respect for wrestling. I jumped in and started leading warmups, encouraging teammates, and giving each practice my all. That year I qualified for state and fell short in the blood round. 

Junior year started with excitement to be back on the mat with my team. I was asked by the coach to be one of the team captains, and my devotion to the team developed me into a leader. I want to lead by example and encourage us all toward personal bests. I individually scheduled and ran Saturday morning hikes for all those wanting to go the extra mile (pun intended). Being a team leader and giving back to others filled me with joy. I worked harder on the mat than ever before, but not for me, for the eyes watching me as a leader. To everyone's surprise, I had more success as a wrestler than ever before. I started setting wrestling goals for myself and achieving them. Junior year, I placed fourth in state. It was a personal best, but something in me changed along the way. Getting to climb to the fourth spot on the podium just wasn't enough. 

The first year I wrestled off-season was after junior year state. I found every practice that would let me into the room and started private lessons. I dedicated myself to the sport like never before and loved every moment on the mat. I wanted to be at the top of the podium, and the climb toward it was exhilarating. Senior year, I wrestled up to 157 (walking around weight 149 at heaviest) to get more challenging matches and so that a younger guy could wrestle at 150 and not get killed. I lost only two matches the whole season to the same guy, a three-time state champ. I even beat a guy I lost to three times, he was ranked #1 in D1 at the time. It was a highlight of my senior year, and my growth was undeniable.  I went down to 144 for sectionals and walked my way through. The state 144 bracket was stacked, and with full respect, I battled each opponent. We all worked toward the same goal, but I prevailed and took the top of the podium with pride. 

Wrestling has grown me into the person I am. I can't thank my coaches and family enough. I developed a personal respect and love for wrestling without the pressures many other athletes face. It's my desire to wrestle in college because I am a better person and student when I am part of a team. I have developed a love for wrestling that will be with me for the rest of my life. I'm looking forward to working my way back up to the top of the podium and life.