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Nov 15, 2022
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CALEXICO — The
Calexico Bulldogs hosted former NFL guard, two-time NCAA National Champion, and
world champion in freestyle wrestling, Stephen Neal as a guest speaker.
Neal shared his experiences
competing at California State University Bakersfield as well as the importance
being a multi-sport athlete played in his football career. Neal discussed the
new opportunities and advantages that arise from trying new sports, and
emphasized the vital role that "attitude, effort, and preparation"
play in achieving success.
“I hope the students
understand that you can accomplish anything,” said Neal. “Having them find some
skills outside of their main sport, and become a better, total athlete, would
be a win.”
Neal is one of the few players who did not play college football before
entering the NFL.
“It was cool to learn what it was like to compete at the highest level
in both the NFL and wrestling,” said Calexico Bulldog junior Ivan Marquez.
As this season will be
Marquez’s first year on the wrestling team, the junior took notes from Neal and
is hopeful that preparation and hard work will equip him with the tools
necessary to face opponents this season, he said.
“He taught us that even
though your opponent may appear big and strong, you can defeat them if you work
hard and prepare," Marquez said. "You can achieve whatever you set
your mind to.”
First-year Boys' Wrestling
Head Coach Juan Lopez developed a friendship with Neal, and believed it would
motivate and inspire his student-athletes to consider the benefits of
challenging themselves through sports.
“One of the goals was motivating kids to try the sport,” Lopez
said. “Hopefully they will love it, but at least this way you make them aware
of the sport and its benefits.”
Originally from Calexico,
Lopez spent 14 years helping in the Poway high school wrestling program, where
he met Neal.
After moving back to the
Imperial Valley in August, Lopez said he is looking forward to creating safe,
healthy environments where athletes can compete and thrive.
“Consistency," the coach
said. "I want to be able to provide consistency and give them a place
where they can wrestle, but also, create a space where they can grow, be
challenged, and be proud of themselves.”
As a coach, player, and
parent, Neal gave one piece of advice to students.
“We all have the tools to do
something great,” Neal said. “Take one day at a time, and think of what you can
do each day to improve.”
The Calexico Bulldogs will
take the wrestling mat on Saturday, November 19, at the Brawley Union High
School JV Boys; Wrestling Invite.
