By Ken Hansard
Gavin Munoz, a senior wrestler at 120 pounds and captain for the Maize South Mavericks, has qualified for the KSHSAA state championships each year so far. Moving on to state is an exciting prospect for any competitor, and in his final season as a Maverick, Munoz is hoping for just a bit more, “I’m really proud that I have qualified for state every year so far, but each year, my season has ended the same way – with a first round loss. I’m really hoping my work pays off and that I will be able to place at state my final year.”
To prepare to take that next step, Gavin engaged in some introspection during the off-season to identify ways in which he might elevate his performance, “I’m focusing on improving my technique. Otherwise, a lot of what I want to work on is mental – like the mental battles that wrestlers engage in – things like worrying too much instead of just wrestling my match.”
So far, so good. Halfway through the season, Munoz boasts a strong 16-3 record, with hopes that his momentum can carry into the championship season, “I’m just looking forward to getting better each day in preparation for state. Just hoping I can finally place and get on the podium.”
Like many wrestlers, Munoz comes from a family of wrestling enthusiasts, “My dad started me wrestling when I was younger. I have a lot of family members who are either wrestling right now or who have wrestled in the past, which has also inspired me to stick with it.”
Following graduation this spring, Gavin currently has plans to attend a trade school to study to become an electrician.
