Wrestling at 144-pounds this season, Westmoore High School’s Topher Garrett started wrestling at the age of eight years old. Now a senior, Garrett has found his way to several podiums this season and is preparing to make a run at qualifying for the state tournament.
During the COAC Tournament, Garrett wrestled his way to a fourth place finish, helping his team to a fourth place overall finish. Earlier in the season during the 48th Annual Perry Tournament of Champions, Garrett wrestled to a second place finish, pushing his team to a first place finish overall. Garrett said he’s made many great memories as a wrestler for the jaguars.
“My favorite memory from Westmoore is flying to Utah for a tournament with the team. Before we wrestled, we would wake up in the morning to get a quick jog through the mountains,” said Garrett.
This season, Garrett worked on several aspects of his game to improve in areas that will help him reach his goals.
“The strength of my skillset I would say is the variety of attacks I have, my pace, and being able to wrestle in all three positions,” said Garrett.
Garrett said being part of the program at WHS is great and the support the team receives is unmatched.
“The support system at Westmoore is different than any I’ve been around, between the coaches, the partners, and even the other parents it’s just a place where everyone around you wants to see you succeed,” said Garrett.
When Garrett talks about his teammates, he is sure to point out their contributions to the overall success of the program.
“I’ve been impressed with a lot of my teammates. It’s just a group of guys who all know how to put their noses down and get to work. I think we have all jumped levels just since the preseason and we will continue to do so,” Garrett said. “My teammate Cole Olguin is always good at keeping tensions light and making people laugh, my teammate Trae Rios is good at holding all of us accountable and leading by example. I love that everyone on our team is best friends. It sounds cliche but it really is like another family.”
Garrett has made plans for life after high school.
“I am looking to continue wrestling in college while I get my bachelor’s degree. I’d like to continue with my Total Roofing internship through college as well. The owner of Total Roof Protection, Casey Halligan, is a family friend who has helped to shape our senior year by giving us the opportunity to give back to our community.”
