By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– West Salem sophomore Sophia Zuniga made some noise as a freshman last season when she finished fourth at 190 pounds in the 5A/6A State Tournament.
It was an overwhelming experience for sure pointed out Zuniga, but it was still a cool experience to have as she laid that foundation for what she did this year.
“It was neat, it wasn’t something I’ve ever done before. It was overwhelming, but it was super cool. It was a really fun experience,” starts Zungia. “I was really proud of myself, it was really cool. It was super cool to experience going and finishing fourth really helped me get in the right mindset for this season.
“Based off last year, I think this year is going really well. I’m having a lot of fun, this is a really fun sport for me and is something I enjoy doing regardless if I win-or-lose, there’s always something to learn. I’m just really blessed to have the opportunity to go back to State again and being a two-time District Champion.
Now a year older with another year with experience, Zuniga returns to State. On the heels of her second 5A/6A Special District 3 District Title on February 14, the Titan Girls Wrestler has been working her way back to Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland this upcoming weekend. Seeded second in her bracket, Zungia is hoping to live up to that seeding this year and hopefully reach that 5A/6A 190 pound State Final here on Saturday night.
“A lot of it has been mental. We’ve been training all season. I know I’m physically strong enough, now it’s getting over that mental hurdle again of the overwhelmingness that I know is now coming,” said Zuniga. “Right now I’m seeded two, and I’m hoping that I can finish first or second,” said Zuniga, who’s 29-3 on the year according to Trackwrestling.
Zungia is one of three West Salem wrestlers who qualified for the State Tournament. On the boys side, six qualified for State, including Kit Shinkle.
Shinkle has been progressively improving through the years. Sophomore year, he qualified. As a junior, Shinkle reached the 6A State Semi’s before falling, finishing sixth at 215 pounds at 6A. And now, as a senior, he’s hoping to get over the hump and reach the State Finals in his final State Tournament appearance.
Coming off of his District Championship win at 215 pounds, Monday was the first day that he’ll put in to work what he learned from the District Meet from this past Saturday at West Salem High School.
“The biggest thing right now is my offense in netural. I gotta have more confidence in my shots when I go and shoot,” Shinkle said, who’s 28-4 on the year according to Trackwrestling.
“Really, it’s just motivation. I came close a few times, got beat and now this year, I’m really hoping for Top 3. I have a lot of motivation to get that,” Shinkle continues about returning to State. “Preparation is everything. Preparing in practice and getting ready for it is really the biggest thing. Making sure that I’m learning the right stuff and taking risk and wrestling with confidence.”
The wrestling starts Friday in Portland with the tournament wrapping up on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
