VYPE: What do you love most about being a wrestler at Woodward?
Jordan Solo: The thing I love most about being a wrestler at Woodward is probably all the teachers and coaches that watch me wrestle and inspire me to keep going.
VYPE: What grade are you in and what weight class do you compete in?
Jordan Solo: I’m in ninth grade and I compete in 102lbs and 105lbs.
VYPE: When did you first start wrestling, and what made you want to try the sport?
Jordan Solo: I started wrestling last summer. I’ve always wanted to do it, I was just a little scared. I’ve always loved the intensity and aggression in sports so I thought I’d be good at wrestling.
VYPE: Wrestling takes a lot of mental toughness. How do you prepare yourself mentally before a match?
Jordan Solo: I prepare myself mentally before a match by focusing on my mindset and my body language. I always like to be alone before my matches.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite pre-meet meal or routine that helps you stay focused and ready?
Jordan Solo: Before a match I usually listen to music and pace around the mat. That’s my routine.
VYPE: Which teammate pushes you the most in practice, or is there a coach or former teammate who has had a big impact on you?
Jordan Solo: Coach Weatherhead and old assistant Coach James have had a big impact on me even though it’s my first year they’ve really believed in me and helped me gain some confidence on the mat. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
VYPE: What’s been your toughest match so far, and what did you learn from it?
Jordan Solo: My toughest match was at a Kingfisher tourney. I was 2-0 to start the day and my next match was against a multiple time state placer. We got to third period and I started having seizures and eventually my season got cut short from that so I ended the season 11-3 I believe, but I learnt a lot and I learnt to keep going even if you think you can’t.
VYPE: What goals had you set for yourself this season?
Jordan Solo: I set a goal to go to state and to end the season on a good note but I ended my season in a hospital. But I will come back this summer in my first freestyle season.
VYPE: What do you hope to do after high school — will wrestling continue to be part of your future?
Jordan Solo: I hope wrestling is in my future, I really want to go to college for this sport and go far without any injuries or any setbacks.
