The Viking Views

Game Face: Alex Poinar and Rebekah Acuna

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 By Marsha Duff, Kelsea Daniluk

Alex Poinar Takedown, pin and reversal are just some the motions wrestlers do. Senior Alex Poinar has been doing these motions for six years. Poinar said being on the varsity team throughout high school is not easy. “The hardest part of wrestling is cutting weight and going out in front of the crowd by yourself with no one to lean on,” he said. Coach Mr. Nick Gamble has been coaching Poinar for years and said Poinar has helped the team. “Alex has set a good example [of] his work ethic, commitment and getting better,” Gamble said. Gamble also said Poinar has improved over his years of wrestling. “As he matures he has gained more confidence and has become a vocal leader,” Gamble said. Poinar said he plans to continue wrestling throughout college if he can get a scholarship. “It’s different than most sports; it’s a lifestyle,” he said. “It pushes you beyond the limits you’re aware of physically, emotionally and mentally. I wrestle because it teaches me many things inside and outside of wrestling, to love the little things in life like water and food and it teaches me to fight through all the tough situations in life.” Rebekah Acuna Though many use the pool as a way to relax, sophomore Rebekah Acuna does not have relaxing on her mind when she enters the water. Acuna has been swimming for six years. She always had a fascination with the sport but never actually considered becoming part of it until her mother suggested it. “When my mom actually asked if I wanted to be on a swim team I was surprised,” she said. “I never thought about swimming competitively.” Acuna swims the 200 Free Relay, the 50 Free, the 100 Free and the 400 Free relay. She practices in the water five days a week for two hours, as well as lifts. “The practices are always very challenging,” Acuna said. “The worst are during Christmas break when we have two-a-days.” Though training can be difficult, teammate junior Lauren Lammlein said Acuna handles the situation well. “If it is a hard practice Rebekah will just swim through it because she knows that even if you complain, things won’t change,” she said. Though practices are not her favorite thing, Acuna said she enjoys almost every other aspect of the sport. “I really like the challenge because swimming takes a lot of dedication, time and effort,” Acuna said. “You’re only as good as how hard you train.” Lammlein said Acuna is hard-working. “Rebekah is quiet and kind but when it comes to swimming she is a beast,” she said. “She really shows you what she can do.”