By Ella Guidugli
Tribal Tribune
Fairfield saluted its departing wrestlers last Saturday, holding its Senior Night for the Class of 2024.
The event was held Feb 9 in the FHS arena against the Sycamore Aviators. Although the Indians suffered defeat, 51-27, there were still highlights for the six seniors who were introduced and walked onto the mat before the matches began.
* Sneh Patel was walked onto the mat by parental figures, Andrea and Shaun Shanklin. After high school he plans to go to the University of Cincinnati for engineering and plans to do club wrestling. When asked what the biggest thing he learned from wrestling was, he said, “I took away from wrestling to never stop when it gets hard, to always find a way, and finish what you started no matter how hard it gets.”
* Braeden Shanklin was walked onto the mat by mom and dad, Andrea and Shaun Shanklin. When asked how it felt to be walked onto the mat by his parents he said, “It felt great, they’re the reason I was there.” After high school he plans to play football in college as well as study engineering. The biggest thing that Braeden took away from wrestling is, “There’s a family aspect in wrestling like no other sport (and) you get what you work for.”
* Gabe Adams was walked onto the mat by mom and dad, Kim and Darren Adams, as well as his two brothers, Noah and Luke. Gabe said, “I felt loved and supported and happy as well.” when he was walked onto the mat by his family. He said, “How you respond is who you become” when asked what he learned from wrestling. After high school he plans to go to the University of Cincinnati to study physical therapy.
* Juseters Fataki was walked onto the mat by mom and dad, Mimi and Crispin Fataki. After high school he plans to play football and major in engineering at the University of Indianapolis. He said, “It felt great, I was happy to be there and I was excited to wrestle.” What he realized about wrestling was, “You really learn about yourself and how hard you can push yourself and the friendships you make in wrestling are bonds that can’t break.”
* Denzel Mensah was walked onto the mat by mom, Augustina, brother, Kenneth, and sister, Sylvia. He said walking out on the mat was, “A little awkward but it was fun.” After high school he plans to join the National Guard. What he found through wrestling was, “Just keeping your composure whether you win or lose and losses aren’t losses … they’re lessons.”
* Ceallan Givler was walked onto the mat by mom and dad, Robert and Sandra Givler. He said, “I felt proud to be walked down by my family. They’re my main support, and I’m glad they were there with me.” After high school, he plans to attend Ohio University to study physical therapy. He said what he gained from wrestling is, “Persevering through when it gets tough.”
Fairfield, coached by Blair Wilcocks, next wrestles at the GMC championships at Middletown High School on Saturday, Feb. 17.
For additional photos by journalism instructor Mark Braam, go to bit.ly/FFBWrestleSeniorNight24.
