It took John Hardin Sr. Austin Silva several years to understand the mental toughness that is essential to being an outstanding wrestler.
But once he figured it out, it became difficult for him to win on the mat.
The defending regional champion is 22 games undefeated this season and his coach attributes his continued success to personal development.
“If he can keep his mind straight, stay focused and work on the mat, he can achieve his goal of winning a state championship,” said Teddy Darnall. He was unfocused at times and was a little goofy at practice.Now he takes the initiative and joins the team to maintain focus not only for himself but also for others. “
Silva goes back to his days growing up in Louisiana and was always a better than average wrestler.
“I started wrestling with my sister when I was little, and then I started mixed martial arts.”
Silva did well when she joined the Bulldogs team as a seventh grader, but quickly learned that progressing to the next level required a full commitment to the sport.
“When I got to the level of high school, to these guys getting jacked and kicking my ass, I decided to change,” he said. “
Silva credits former teammate Cameron Brown.
“I was a little chubby back then, but he forced me to be his partner,” he said. “He was really strong and huge, so I had to change.” I had to.”
Diet changes have also proven worthwhile. Silva fasts most of the day and doesn’t eat anything until after practice.
“Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that the more I eat, the better I feel,” he said.
This change allowed him to improve his conditioning. He said this is as important as technique.
Silva has his sights set on a state title, a goal not out of the realm of possibility as he has improved his standing every year since losing in the region’s first round as a freshman.
He finished third in the 182-pound division in 2020, but lost in the first round of the state tournament. In his junior year, he moved up to his second place in the region, and in his first round at the state tournament he placed fourth. Silva advanced from the regional title as a junior, finishing runner-up in the state’s first round and reaching the final, where he placed fifth.
Even if you don’t reach your ultimate goal, the lessons you learn from wrestling will last you a lifetime.
“Wrestling teaches you mental toughness, and life always has bad moments,” he said. “You have to push through it and keep working.”