A tough sport

CEDAR RAPIDS - Wrestling is one of those sports where depending on oneself is critical to success.

The team score might be all the wins combined, but the performance on the mat is what matters. Wrestlers can't rely on a teammate to help them on the mat.

'Wrestling is probably the hardest sport I've ever done,” Xavier sophomore Tommy Pudil said. 'You have to work harder to perform well.”

The wrestlers work out every day in the weight room and also get plenty of time on the mat during practice. Some need to either lose weight or gain it, depending on their weight class. One of Xavier's athletics goals is 'to treat each student with dignity and respect.” according to the Xavier website.

Pudil thrives on improving every day.

'The best part of wrestling is the rewards,” he said.