Eight years ago, Elias Sturdevant, Woodland representative, found his passion: wrestling. Sturdevant began this sport in fourth grade and since then fell in love with the sport.
“My dad got me into youth wrestling clubs and that sparked my interest, so I kept going,” said Sturdevant.
Throughout his wrestling career, Sturdevant has faced many obstacles. One major obstacle was that Woodland does not have a wrestling program. Since there are not many students in Woodland who choose to wrestle, Sturdevant had to find somewhere that offered this program. He chose to wrestle for Pomperaug High School, but still represents Woodland.
“The biggest challenge for me is making the commute every day,” said Sturdevant. “Right when 2:05 hits, I have to drive to Pomperaug.”
Although Sturdevant is happy he got to pursue his passion for the sport, he wishes that Woodland offered a wrestling program, but because of these obstacles he made new friends along the way.
Throughout his career, he has made many accomplishments. Sturdevant is most proud of the fact that he has made it to the state opens every year. In February, Sturdevant was named the league’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Not only was he named this, but he also earned All-state honors at the state tournament held in early February. Sturdevant received a gold medal in his weight class earning all-league honors, not just once, but all four years of his high school career.
“I felt very accomplished knowing that all of the work I put in during preseason paid off,” said Sturdevant.
Sturdevant plans to take his wrestling career to the next level as he was given a scholarship for wrestling at American International College. He also enjoys the study of science and hopes to go into nursing in the future. While he has the dream to follow through with wrestling, Sturdevant wants to put his schoolwork first.
“I want to do college first and then I will think about wrestling as an adult,” Sturdevant said. “But as of right now school is most important to me.”
Sturdevant leaves some encouraging words for those who may want to start wrestling:
“Maybe join some clubs before the season starts to get some practice in,” said Sturdevant. “Have fun; it is a good sport.”
