Athlete Profile: Luis Lagunes

The Bonduel High School wrestling team is led by a talented group of seniors. Luis Lagunes is one of those seniors, having already qualified for state in his career.

Lagunes qualified for state as a sophomore, doing so in the 113-pound weight class in Division 3.

The wrestler is now competing primarily in the 126-pound weight class as a senior, and is enjoying a strong season with a 8-2 record as of Jan. 17.

Of those victories, four have come by pin. Another win was by major decision and one by decision. He also has two forfeit wins.

Lagunes was listed as an honorable mention at the D3 126 weight class in the latest individual rankings provided by wiwrestling.com.

Q: When did your interest in wrestling begin?

A: I first got interested in the sport when I saw my older brother (Moises) wrestling. I was in basketball before but ended up falling in love with wrestling.

Q: What is your favorite part about the wrestling season?

A: My favorite part would be wrestling all those amazing opponents. I love wrestling other students who’ve improved from their last year’s performance.

Q: What has wrestling taught you over the years?

A: It has taught me dedication and mental toughness.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you hope to achieve or team goals you want to help obtain by the end of this season?

A: I hope to be able to participate at state this year. Also, it would be great if I could make the podium.

Q: Your team doesn’t have a lot of wrestlers on it, so dual wins can be hard to come by. How do you balance trying to continuously improve and staying positive when the team might not always be winning its duals?

A: Our team is always positive to be honest. Also our coaches have taught us to have a good mindset and never give up. However, when we lose we’re usually alright with it, because with the small team we have we always give a full team a run for their money.

Q: How do you stay in shape and maintain a certain weight during the wrestling season?

A: I just watch what I eat and cut out the junk food. I also like to exercise when I have the opportunity to.

Q: Do you have any rituals you go through before a match?

A: Not really, I usually just focus on my breathing so the nerves don’t get to me.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Bonduel wrestling team?

A: My favorite memory would be qualifying for the second day of Oshkosh (as a junior) and only sleeping two hours so I could hang out with my teammates.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school wrestling?

A: Just being able to compete and rolling around on the mat. Also, the bonds that I have with my teammates and my coaches.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — I don’t have a favorite TV show but I do enjoy watching “The Dave Ramsey Show.” Movie — “Other People’s Money.” Musical artist — J Cole.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: That I trade the forex and the stock market.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to be financially free by the age of 30 and own a chain of investment firms. I would also love to own real estate and travel the world.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Luis Lagunes

Sport: Wrestling

Weight class: 126

School: Bonduel High School

Year: Senior