On January 8th, Sunlake High School hosted a wrestling meet that was a big deal for everyone involved. This wasn’t just any meet—it was the District Duel. Junior Zeke Johnson represented Sunlake in the 126-pound weight class. “I’ve been wrestling for four years, ever since my 8th-grade year,” Zeke shared. So while wrestling isn’t new to him, this meet still felt significant. 

“I like wrestling because it’s a sport that’s pushed me beyond my limits—both physically and mentally. It’s so much more than just something to keep me busy. It gives me meaning, has brought me closer to people, and given me a group where I truly feel like I belong,” Zeke said.

The match was a big deal, and many people came out to support the teams. For Zeke, the meet’s highlight was celebrating his friend Marco’s 100th high school career win. “That was really impressive and so well-deserved. It was exciting to cheer him on, knowing it would be his 100th win. The whole gym was loud—it was amazing,” Zeke shared. 

When reflecting on his favorite wrestling memory, Zeke said, “It would definitely be winning a district title my sophomore year. I won the final match in overtime, and it felt like I had accomplished something huge. Seeing the pride on my coach’s face, hearing the crowd cheering, and feeling the support of my teammates—it’s a moment I’ll always cherish.” 

As for this year’s district duel, Zeke admitted it was a bit of a setback. “It was definitely an eye-opening meet for me. I went 1-2, with one of my losses being to the number one kid in the state. As a team, we placed 3rd overall, just four points away from 2nd place. It was such a close duel,” he explained. 

Still, Zeke sees it all as a valuable experience and is already looking forward to next year, hoping to take home that first-place spot.