Senior wrestler Jeremiah Louis recently won an off-season tournament at Somerset High School. The tournament consisted of 30 teams battling it out for the win. Jeremiah had to wrestle four opponents, beating each of them to win the event.

     Louis spent countless hours honing his skills, often practicing two to three hours a day. 

     “I had to fight my own tendency to be under confident and overthink my matches,” Louis said. “In the end, I realized that it’s just a match, and I should make the most of it.”

      As the tournament approached, Louis viewed his match as an opportunity to showcase his skills and enjoy the friendship with his team. One memorable moment for him was meeting and warming up with a complete stranger. During the final match, the game became even harder. 

     “I was reminded that I’m not just representing Krop, but myself,” Louis said. “I thought that I need to be calculating, dominant and fearless if I want to win.” 

     The competition included some wrestlers presenting more of a challenge than others. This, however, never stopped Louis from trying his best and using his skills to take his opponent down. 

     “The finals match was the toughest,” Louis said. “The kid I wrestled from Somerset was scrappy and positionally smart. He made it difficult to score, but I got the job done.” 

     Louis began his wrestling career in 7th grade, but then COVID hit and he didn’t get a chance to start again until freshman year. Since then, he’s worked alongside several mentors and credits them for a lot of his success.

      “God has put so many people in my life that have been with me through thick and thin,” Louis said. “Ms. Julie, the athletic trainer, and staff like Head Coach Shakir, Coach Maher and Coach Keno have really helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a person.”

     On top of a hectic training schedule, managing AP and Honors classes can take a toll, but Louis said he does a good job balancing the two. 

     “Knowing that work and school comes first helps after practices,” Louis said. “I know exactly how and when I need to do it and what grades I need to have so I can continue to play sports.”

      Although the next season begins after March, he has been training intensely, lifting twice a day and wrestling at least seven times a week. His goal is to place at states and be a strong captain for the team.

     “The next big event I’m looking forward to right now is Seahorse, which is a classic in South Florida,” Louis said. “I’m looking forward to the competition.”

    Louis envisions himself as a role model for future wrestlers, inspiring them with his achievements and work ethic and contributing to the program’s storied tradition of excellence before he graduates. 

     “Jeremiah shows passion and dedication to the sport of wrestling,” Head Coach Shakir Francois said. “It’s always good to win a tournament.”