As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the wrestling mat, Jorge Santillan stood poised, ready to take on his final season as a high school wrestler. For the senior, this journey
began not with dreams of glory, but with a simple desire to lose weight.
“At first, I did it to lose weight,” he recalls, “but over time, I found that it was my responsibility to perform well, since my coaches rely on us.”
This sense of duty transformed his initial motivation into a profound commitment to his team and himself. Senior highlights included claiming the third place medal at the Battle of the Woods and qualifying for Regionals to close out his wrestling days.
His journey has been marked by camaraderie and growth. He fondly remembers the early
days when he and his friends first stepped onto the mat together.
“When my friends and I were all wrestling first on the same mat, it was a surreal experience to see how far our team has come,” he said.
Those moments of shared struggle and triumph forged bonds that would last a lifetime, creating a brotherhood that extended beyond the sport. However, the path was not without its challenges. Jorge faced a significant hurdle in the form of his mother’s worries about his safety.
“My biggest challenge was my mom being worried that I might get injured, and I overcame it by coming back home with no injuries.”
This determination to stay safe while pursuing his passion exemplifies Santillan’s resilience. Balancing academics and athletics has been another critical aspect of Jorge’s high school experience.
“For academics, I just did my best to finish all the rocks that were given to me
during school, and if I didn’t finish an assignment, I wouldn’t stress about it since I would
complete it as soon as wrestling practice was over,” he said.
This approach has not only helped him manage his time effectively but has also contributed to his impressive academic record. His academic achievements include having A’s throughout his whole high school career.
“This connected to overall success because it showcases how I use my time wisely and how
dedicated I am when it comes to work,” Santillan said.
His favorite subjects, mathematics and history, reflect his analytical mind and curiosity about
the world.
“I love math because it feels like a puzzle when I do it, and I love history because it’s
fun to think about how people used to live in the past,” he said.
These interests have guided him toward his future aspirations. As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, he has set his sights on the University of Houston, where he plans to pursue a degree in construction management.
“What influenced me was my older brother,” he said, highlighting the importance of family in shaping his ambitions. Wrestling has played a significant role in preparing him for this future, instilling a focus and determination that he believes will lead to success.
His journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s also about uplifting others.
“Don’t lose hope because at the end of the day, there is always someone that believes in you,” he said.
This message resonates deeply with his teammates, who have witnessed his growth and determination firsthand. One of his most cherished memories of his wrestling career came during a trip to San Antonio,
where the team bonded over shared dreams and aspirations.
“ We went to the pool and hotel and just talked about our futures,” he reminisces, “it was a
moment that reminded us of the bigger picture.”
Those conversations solidified their friendships and inspired them to chase their dreams together.
As Santillan prepares to hang up his wrestling shoes, he carries with him not just the lessons learned on the mat, but also the friendships forged and the dreams ignited. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the belief that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. As he steps into the future, Jorge is ready to tackle new challenges, armed with the lessons of his past and the unwavering support of those who believe in him.
