This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Community Update

Athletics have long helped individuals test their physical and mental limitations.  Endurance, strength, and mental toughness all play a pivotal role in being victorious against one’s opponent.  Wrestling has tested these abilities for thousands of years, and ranks near the top of the toughest high school sports.  Senior Mason Miller exemplifies the traits necessary to be successful both on and off the mat, which is why he is this week’s student athlete of the week.






Mason’s wrestling career began in the 7th grade and has carried him to a position as the starting 145lb wrestler for Oswego East.  His current record of 17-8 demonstrates his ability to be both mentally and physically tough.  “To achieve your goals, you always have to be willing to improve as an athlete,” remarks Miller.  Mason’s hard work on the mat has not gone unnoticed by those around him, including Oswego East’s varsity coach Mike Jezioro.  “[Mason] has worked hard at becoming a better technical wrestler, [which] has paid off for him,” says Jezioro. 






Although wrestling is individualistic in nature, in that two athletes compete against each other at one time, competitors are also gaining points for their team with each fall, victory, major victory, or technical fall.  Mason’s improvements on the mat extend further than his own success, as he is looked upon as a leader for his teammates.  “Mason is a leader on the team, and does most of his leading by example. He is always one of the hardest workers in anything that we do,” observes Jezioro.  Although Mason’s personal goals include making it into sectionals this year, he also hopes for his team to place in both conference and regionals.





Fortunately for Oswego East, Mason’s skills translate into success in other activities such as cross country and track and field. Playing three varsity sports leaves little time for studying and leisure activities, but Mason continues to pursue excellence through his rigorous coursework, which includes 3 AP courses. His AP Biology teacher, Jennifer Mihm, sees Mason’s strengths on the mat carry over into the classroom.  “Mason's strengths are his motivation to be successful, his ability to self advocate, and his desire to learn. He isn't afraid to ask questions and is very responsible with getting his work done,” says Mihm. 
As far as Mason’s leadership goes, Mihm adds “Mason has nothing but positive interactions with his peers. He is helpful to those that need it, can be both quiet and outgoing, and is often a leader among his lab group.”





When Mason’s senior year comes to an end, the hard work he has put in on the mat and classroom will have paid off.  With a 4.057 G.P.A., a class rank of 29, and an ACT score of 27, the sky is the limit for this bright senior.  Loyola, Marquette, and North Central would all be fortunate to call Mason one of their own in the fall.  The wealth of knowledge he has gained on the mat or track will prove useful when he studies pre medicine or exercise science and physical therapy. Mason’s advice to younger and future wolves is simple, as he says “have pride in your school and get involved with any or everything.” 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?