By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Carter Jeffries, Battle Creek Central High’s Sophomore wrestler in the 215-pound division. He was given some good advice, by a fellow teammate, as he runs on the mat. “Not believing in yourself is a waste of time.” Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Bearcats Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My biggest inspiration to start the sport was the fact that I wanted to better myself.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: The biggest influence I’ve had during this sport has been my family. Win or lose they will cheer me no matter what.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: I love the competition of the sport, but I also love the fact that when we’re on the mat we’re enemies and off the mat we are friends.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: During the week we have a hard day with instruction time Monday then conditioning on Tuesday meets Wednesday and then the same for Thursday and Friday to prepare for a Saturday tournament.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: The biggest challenge in wrestling I’ve faced is staying confident because without it you don’t trust yourself on the mat.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: My first match was quick but inspirational. The feelings I felt were anxiety and excitement as I was a new freshman going against an experienced senior.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Winning my first match was by far my favorite and proudest moment.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: I’m extremely excited to be with my team again and hopeful that me and everyone else on my team can go to States.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: Being a student athlete has helped me grow as a person by teaching me perseverance, diligence, and the ability to take criticism.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: Representing my school means so much to me, and being a student athlete I have the ability to show the teachings I’ve learned during sports and in the classroom.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: Patience has been a big thing I’ve learned in wrestling that applys to my outside life.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: The dynamic of my team is honest, kind, and supportive.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: My coach, Coach Torres said to me, “wrestle your own match not theirs” which means do what you want to do and don’t let emotions control what you do.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: I admire the fact that my coach is rough and assertive while being helpful and caring.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Advice i’d give to new wrestlers is don’t worry about others that are better, and keep working harder.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: My signature move would have to be the tightwaist chop as its my favorite breakdown.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: The funniest moments I’ve had during a match would had to have been the time when I slipped on the mat during the match.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: I believe that my coach Charles Randall would steal the show and end up singing “Put your head on my shoulder,” by Paul Anka.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: I would wrestle Tom Cruise because I have always joked around by saying I look like him.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: If I had a walkout song I would definitely choose “Honey I see you” by Mashonda.
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: My favorite classroom subject in school would have to be any type of math.
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: My dream school that I hope to get in one day is Michigan of University
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: My favorite place to go eat is Buffalo Wild Wings.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: If I could travel anywhere in the world would have to Barcelona.
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: My favorite activity out of school is either spending time with my family or sleeping.
LARRY ARREGUIN 
Raul Garcia