Wrestling captain uses mind to conquer muscles

To become fearsome on the mat as a wrestler, one must not only have a conditioned body but also a strong mind. According to wrestling coach Joe Pele, having a strong mindset is what separates senior captain Connor Mullaney from the average wrestler.

“Connor’s intelligence gives him the ability to absorb information, then instantly turn it into physical performance,” Pele said.

Mullaney said he simply tries to wrestle smart and play to his advantages based on his body type and wrestling style. Consequently, Mullaney is one of the highest scoring wrestlers on the team and will often “run his matches into double digits,” according to Pele.

However, Mullaney’s thinking is not his only quick reflex.

“Connor is also blessed with awesome speed and quickness,” Pele said. “He has also become a finisher, which makes him a very dangerous wrestler.”

Mullaney’s skills are made even more impressive considering that he only began wrestling in his sophomore year. He became interested in the sport when world history and government teacher Kirk Abe recruited him.

“Every year he pretty much recruits everyone to come out to wrestle,” Mullaney said. “Some of the other guys that wrestle also encouraged me to try it out.”

Since then, Mullaney has demonstrated admirable work ethic and mentality. He has won the “most improved” award for the past two years and currently wrestles in the 138-pound weight class, 17 pounds more than when he first started wrestling.

“[He is] straight up the best example on the team,” Pele said. “Always on time, always laying everything on the line! I think the younger guys look up to Connor as an example so much, so I made him captain of the team this year.”

Accompanying Mullaney’s hard work is his passion for the sport. As time passes by, both his skills and his love for wrestling increase.

“It’s kind of a love hate thing that’s kind of addicting. Just getting better match after match and making little improvements is what I like about it,” Mullaney said. “It’s just hard work to get better, and it can get a little monotonous at times, but it pays off.”

Currently, Mullaney feels that the team’s biggest weakness is its inexperience and small size. Consisting of just 20 members and lacking heavyweight and lightweight wrestlers, the team is often forced to forfeit during matches.

Despite the obvious disadvantages the team has against bigger programs, Mullaney thinks the Falcons have the potential to be more and more competitive.

“We have a lot of new guys, so I just hope that a lot of guys stick through this season,” Mullaney said. “Towards the middle [of the season] a lot of people quit, so I just want them to stick it through because when people quit, the worst thing is regretting it.”

The effects of the team’s insufficient numbers were clearly visible in the team’s 13-10 loss in a dual meet against Palo Alto on Jan. 12. According to senior Alfred Murabito, the team had to forfeit over half of its matches.

Besides not being able to fill all its weights, the Falcons have been fighting injuries to its top wrestlers: Alfred Murabito has been battling an ACL injury, sophomore Graham Grant has an injured ankle and freshman Christian Murabito has trouble with his back.

Even with the problems, Pele has seen his wrestlers make progress since the season started.

“We are a young team, and every day the men are improving,” Pele said. “I could not be more proud of a group of young men.”