ATLANTA - After a third place finish in the GHSA State Traditional Wrestling Tournament in the 220 lb. weight class, the Mount Vernon Sports Media and Communications Department asked junior Jonathan Hammond about his thoughts on the 2018-19 wrestling season and more.
Below are the questions and answers.
MV: Overall, what was your experience like at the GHSA State Traditional Wrestling Tournament?
JH: I didn't know what to expect when my team and I were traveling down to Macon to compete in the state wrestling tournament. When I walked in the gym for the first time I was amazed at the massive interior and a floor filled with 12 wrestling mats. Each day when they started the first matches they would give a 10-second countdown to initiate the start of each day.
The last day was by far the coolest day. Before they started wrestling the first and second place matches they lined all the wrestlers on the mats, turned off the lights, and then played "Eye of the Tiger."
MV: After falling in the second round, what was your mindset moving forward the rest of the tournament in order to medal?
JH: After I lost my second match I knew that I was in for a lot more wrestling. I knew that in order to place, I would have to win the next two matches I wrestled.
After I won those I did not want to wrestle for fifth and sixth, so I gave all I had to get in the third and fourth place match. This was my last match I knew that I had a good chance of beating the kid, so I went out on the mat knowing I was going to win. I wouldn't have excepted myself getting any medal lower than third.
MV: As you reflect back on your junior year as a wrestler, what did you learn the most about yourself?
JH: Reflecting back on my junior year I realize if you put your mind to something you love and dedicate yourself to that thing nothing can stop you from reaching it. I have worked very hard from freshman year and this victory shows me that all my hard work has paid off but there's still so much more work that must be done in order to keep being successful.
MV: What is one thing you hope to improve on going into your senior season?
JH: Going into my senior year I would like to increase my weight so I can compete better and also hone my techniques.
Congratulations to Jonathan and his placement at GHSA State Traditional Wrestling Tournament!
The Mount Vernon Athletic Department strives to build the student-athlete by providing a five-star experience built on community, relentlessness, innovation, hospitality and professionalism. As a school of inquiry, innovation and impact grounded in Christian values, we prepare all students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. For more information on Mount Vernon athletics, visit www.mountvernonathletics.com and follow @MV_Athletics on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news on the Mustangs.
