Opportunity knocks
IC Catholic Prep’s Victor Vargas qualifies for his first state finals meet.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
Not only did Victor Vargas change schools; he changed wrestling styles as well.
Vargas transferred from Fenton to IC Catholic Prep where he now is a junior who recently finished his wrestling season competing in the 220-pound weight division of the Class 1A state finals meet in Champaign.
“The thing I’ve improved on the most is my shooting,” he said. “Last year I wanted to go for the upper body, but this year my coaches have taught me to shoot more and get in a better position. The best part for me is tying up with guys and getting in a better position and not get stuck using conservative wrestling.”
Vargas has only been wrestling three years, starting with his freshman year at Fenton. “Coaches wanted me to start something new,” he said. “I liked the thought of starting something new. They inspired me to try it out. I like the physical part of it. It makes me think I can get through a lot of stuff. With wrestling, it’s all about me. It’s just me focusing in on my opponent. I don’t have to worry about other people.”
Vargas loved the recent sectional tournament when looking at his whole body of work heading into the state tournament. “I wrestled some very good opponents there and had a lot of physical matches,” he said.
Vargas has made wrestling his key focus after dabbling in football earlier in high school. “I did football freshman and sophomore year but decided to commit to wrestling and work hard at that,” he said.
And he’s happy to have found his way to IC Catholic Prep’s wrestling program along with his brother David Vargas, who wrestles at 285 pounds.
“It’s a great program,” he said. “We have great coaches. It’s been a good experience. I’ve learned a lot of things. It’s also been great being with my brother. He’s a good partner who gives me a good look in practice. I’m fortunate to have him there and to be able to train with him.”
Vargas took a moment to reflect on his ascension to the state tournament. “It means a lot,” he said. “I’ve been trying to go since my freshman year. It’s a great accomplishment. I’ve worked hard with the hope of one day getting there and winning some matches at state.”
And for Vargas, that day has arrived.
