Having just finished his senior year at Bellevue High School, Ivan Salaverry is preparing to take on one of the most demanding paths someone can pursue. This fall, he’ll be heading to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A state champion wrestler with a strong academic record and a deep respect for service, Salaverry is a student whose hard work and commitment stand out.

His journey into wrestling started back in middle school, around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With extra time on his hands and a desire to be more like his dad, who had also wrestled in high school, Salaverry began practicing wrestling moves at home. He already had a foundation in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and that helped him transition smoothly into the sport. “I did dummy throws, shooting drills, even tied a rubber band around myself to work on technique,” he said. “I just really wanted to compete in high school.”

Over time, wrestling became more than a sport. It shaped how he approached challenges, schoolwork, and relationships. “Winning the state championship kind of proved my worth,” he said. “Some people might have doubted me, but I put in the work and overcame my challenges. Wrestling made me into the person I wanted to be.”

The road to success wasn’t easy. Ivan described his first state finals match as the toughest moment of his wrestling career. Both he and his opponent were highly athletic and had strong cardio, which pushed the match into overtime. The pace was relentless, and by the final moments, they were both completely exhausted. Ivan managed to secure a strong takedown, which gave him a last burst of energy and helped him win the match. But as soon as the adrenaline faded, the physical part caught up with him. “I had to take a nap after,” he said, reflecting on just how draining the match had been.

That mentality and toughness helped him succeed not just on the mat, but in the classroom, too. He credits wrestling with helping him stay disciplined and focused, especially during the college application process. Salaverry chose the Naval Academy for both personal and practical reasons. His father served in the Marine Corps and his grandfather was in the Air Force. “I wanted to serve,” he said. “And I really like having a routine. I like discipline.” At Annapolis, he plans to wrestle at the collegiate level and hopes to become an NCAA qualifier or placer. He also aims to earn recognition on the Commandant’s or Dean’s List and build strong connections with others on campus. “Everyone I’ve met there has been awesome. There’s a lot of depth in their culture and community,” he said. 

After his time in the military, Salaverry hopes to return home and help run his dad’s wrestling club. He also plans to pursue a career in engineering, possibly with Boeing. As for competing, he sees himself continuing in Jiu-Jitsu or Judo, since wrestling’s physical demands can take a toll on the body. “It’s hard on the joints,” he explains. “I think I’ll transition to something that’s a little more sustainable long-term.”

Ivan Salaverry leaves Bellevue High School with more than a championship title. He leaves with a sense of direction, a deep appreciation for discipline, and a commitment to making a difference; on the wrestling mat, in the classroom, and soon, in service to his country.