Timeout with … Brenda Rivera, junior, Lakewood wrestling
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, January 11, 2011
When she moved to Washington from Mexico a little more than two years ago, Brenda Rivera spoke only basic English and was extremely timid. But thanks to Lakewood High School wrestling coach Tom O’Hara’s relentless encouragement, Rivera joined the Cougars wrestling team last season, and everything changed.
Currently a second-year member of Lakewood’s mat squad, Rivera weighs 100 pounds and primarily competes in the 103-pound weight division. Wrestling is a great emotional outlet, Rivera said, and it helped her make friends and gain confidence.
“This year she’s just a totally different girl,” O’Hara said. “Last year she was shy. It’s really been fun watching her grow and (raise her) confidence level.”
Last season Rivera, who lives with her uncle (her parents still live in Mexico), placed third at the girls district wrestling meet and advanced to the girls regional. This winter her win-loss record is 9-7, and she hopes to go further than last year.
Coach’s corner
Although wrestling is relatively new to her, Rivera is learning quickly and always trains hard, O’Hara said: “She’s a competitor. She’s going to give you all she has.”
Fueled by emotion
When Rivera wrestles, she releases the pent up frustration and stress that has built up in her life. “I like to fight,” she said. “When I’m really angry and I’m fighting, all the things I have inside go out.”
A tough debut
Rivera joined Lakewood’s team a month into the 2009-2010 season. Her first match was against Everett High’s Justine Palabrica in the first round of the 2010 Lady Wolfpack Invitational at Jackson High. Palabrica, one of the better female grapplers in the state, swiftly pinned Rivera in the first period. But Rivera bounced back and won a match later that day.
Having a ball
Before she started wrestling, Rivera’s main sport was soccer; she started playing at age 5. Rivera has not played soccer yet at Lakewood but said she might try out next fall.
A quick trim
Rivera is taking a cosmetology class at the Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center in Everett. She’s learning to cut hair and beautify nails. Although Rivera doesn’t plan to pursue a career in cosmetology, her hair-cutting skills came in handy at the start of wrestling season. Just before Lakewood’s first match, coach O’Hara noticed a male Lakewood wrestler’s hair was too long, according to wrestling rules. Rivera came to the rescue, quickly snipping off enough of her teammate’s hair to make him eligible.
Voyage to Africa
If she could travel anywhere, Rivera would go to Africa. She wants to see the interesting landscapes there but her primary reason for wanting to go is “because people there need help,” said Rivera. She is a member of Lakewood High’s Poster Child club, which raises money to help homeless and other less fortunate people.
Soup’s on
Rivera’s favorite meal is pozole, a Mexican soup. Pozole often includes pork, hominy, corn and slices of lime, but the ingredients and toppings vary depending on regional preferences.
