Paul Parise '21 Recruiting Profile

Usually when I meet someone new for the fist time, they comment on my height and ask me if I play basketball. Well, I never enjoyed playing basketball but when friends encouraged me to try out for the team in 7th grade, I gave it a shot. Getting cut from the team was the best thing that ever happened to me; Coach Jones welcomed me to the JV wrestling team and that is how my journey began!

I wrestled less than a dozen times that year, mostly exhibition. The good part was that I learned so much from losing that it motivated me to learn the techniques for winning. I have always played sports because I was a very active kid; the discipline that is required in wrestling really helped me mature. I took karate lessons, played baseball, soccer and football for years but when I am on the mat; I feel most fulfilled.  I still play football and love being on the field plus the conditioning keeps my body strong for wrestling season!

When I am not involved in sports, I work at Mission BBQ.  I love trying new foods - my dad was a chef so meals at home are never boring! My main goal is to go to college and get a degree, and my second goal is to continue my wrestling career at the collegiate level.