In a showcase of strength, endurance, and mental toughness, the Bellevue Wolverine Wrestling Team made a memorable splash at the WIAA Mat Classic Washington State Wrestling Championships this year. Bellevue junior, Ivan Salaverry, Jr., took the tournament by storm, coming in first place to close out a nearly undefeated season. Josephine Ives, a promising junior from the Lady Wolverine Wrestling Team, became the first female wrestler in Bellevue High School (BHS) history to medal. Under the guidance of coaches Nick Simeti and Jose Hernandez, the team's success story is one of dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.  

Wrestling is often credited as being the foundation of all sports given its demands on an athlete's physical toughness and mental fortitude. Wrestlers face grueling matches that test every fiber in their body, making each victory not just a win but a triumph over their own mental and physical limits. Wrestling matches are quick, but radiate an intensity not found in other sports - they use strategy, strength, and stamina. Each match consists of three periods, lasting two minutes a round. While six minutes of action might seem short, wrestlers know every second is a test of their mental and physical endurance. It is this endurance that makes wrestling such a great strength and conditioning sport, establishing incredible physicality in each athlete. For the parents, the bonus is it’s an indoor event, keeping spectators dry during the bouts.  

The Bellevue High School wrestling program is on an impressive upward trajectory, nearly doubling its participants year after year with 50 athletes signing up this season. This surge in interest can be attributed to the school's impressive coaching staff partnered with a successful 2022-23 season. The next goal for the high school coaches is to proactively develop a robust feeder program from the middle school level. Coaches are dedicated to nurturing young talent, ensuring a steady influx of skilled wrestlers into the high school ranks that are ready to uphold and enhance the team's competitive edge.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue fundraising for their booster club next year with goals to support travel to tougher competitions outside the Seattle area. Funding also goes to essential equipment, more uniforms, mindset seminars, and the best resources to train and compete. It also fuels their newly added home tournament, the Wolverine Scuffle. Additionally, in a generous move to support the wrestlers during the off season, volunteer coach, Ivan Salaverry Sr., has opened his gym in South Lake Union, offering space for the athletes to train Freestyle and Greco Roman Wrestling to hone their skills.

Think wrestling is something your kid would be interested in? The BHS wrestling team is planning to host a summer clinic from July 1st to July 31st. It is open to all who are interested. Inquiries can be sent to Nick Simeti at Simetin@bsd405.org. With a motto of "One Way – The Bellevue Way," the team invokes the spirit of continuous improvement and the belief that hard work in training translates to victory on the mat and in other domains of each athlete’s life.

The Wolverine wrestling team's success at the state championship this year reflects the hard work, strategic coaching, and relentless pursuit of excellence the team embodies. With sites on a feeder program in middle school, and hopes to continue the growth of the booster club and the girls’ and boys’ varsity roster for the 2024-25 season, the best is yet to come for the Bellevue High Wrestling program. They are indeed “Trending up” - come out and participate in their success!

 

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