Like all successful athletes, before competing for national titles and state championships, contenders first have to start at the bottom and work their way up the ranks.

That is exactly what Hunter Jauregui has been doing for the past two years, defeating his opponents and racking up the wins to become the top wrestler in his weight class.

Despite being smaller than almost all of his opponents he faces, Jauregui has the no-quit attitude that has helped him win at the California state tournament. Before every match, during warm-ups, Jauregui already has a plan in his head on how he will defeat each opponent he faces.

With no wrestling going on due to the Coronavirus, I decided to dig inside Jauregui’s mind and find out what makes him such a successful wrestler.

Di Maria – How hard is it to win a state title in the youth circuit in California?

Hunter – It’s very difficult, I trained so hard for a very long time each day. I competed in the state tournament five-previous times before I was able to win it.  California is a big state and we have a lot of outstanding wrestlers.

Di Maria – What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned from a coach?

Hunter – A coach once told me that scrambling is like break dancing; one must maneuver it before it maneuvers you.

Di Maria – What’s the hardest part about wrestling for you?

Hunter – For me, it must be learning to keep pushing through it when it gets tough.

Di Maria – What’s the biggest prize in wrestling?

Hunter – Once I get to the high school level, I hope to win a CIF state title. Then, I would like to become an All-American and NCAA Division I champion in college. However, my biggest accomplishment must be winning an Olympic gold medal and represent the U.S.

Di Maria – Do you watch professional wrestling on TV? Any favorites?

Hunter – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)? No, not at all.

Di Maria – How many different moves do you have?

Hunter – I have hundreds of them than I can use to pin my opponents and get my hand raised by the referee.

Di Maria – Are you on a strict diet?

Hunter – I try to eat well all year long. However, I don’t intake junk food during the wrestling season.

 Di Maria – Do your parents eat pizza, burgers, fries, stuff like that in front of you?

Hunter – Not during the wrestling season. They tried to eat healthily and help me with my diet.

Di Maria – Do you like other sports?

Hunter – Yes, Baseball, football, and basketball. But wrestling is my favorite.

Di Maria – What sacrifices do you make for wrestling?

Hunter – I am devoting all my time to improve on my technique and be the best wrestler in California.

Di Maria – How about your parents’ sacrifices?

Hunter – Time, money and not eating junk food. LOL

Di Maria – Of all the trips you’ve taken in wrestling, where’s your favorite place to be?

Hunter – Viva Las Vegas….. The Freakshow Tournament!

Di Maria – How are you dealing with this Coronavirus?

Hunter – I try to work out at home and practice on getting better in the sport of Baseball.

Di Maria – Has it affected your performance as a wrestler?

Hunter – Yes, I can’t train with my club, plus I miss my friends.

Di Maria – What will be the first thing you do once this quarantine thing is over?

Hunter – I am going to go to the beach, practice with my wrestling club and go eat inside a restaurant. But mostly, visit my family members.