| Hello my name is Manny Saldate. I am honored to be named this month’s Athlete of the Month after placing at one of the toughest tournaments in the country, Super 32. The start of my journey dates back to 2021 which was the first time I had attended Super 32s. I went into the tournament with high hopes as I usually place at the tournaments I attend. My confidence was quickly humbled as I lost a close first match. This led me to have to battle my way back winning Four matches in a row. I then lost my next match which took me out of the tournament. This made me realize that this tournament was a whole other beast that I had yet to face. After this experience my main focus shifted to placing in this tournament. I continued to grind year in and year out working hard to prepare me for this tournament. |
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| The second and third times that I attended did not end in my favor. I went 4-2 both times and did not place. During the third time I attended, I distinctly remember having a long talk with Coach Chase Pami. The main thing that stuck with me was him saying that I needed to change something for the next year because what I had been doing wasn’t enough. He also realized that I compete at my best when I have my team along by my side which I hadn’t had due to me and Coach Pami traveling alone to this tournament. So we discussed bringing the team with us for the upcoming year. |
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| Preparing for the last year of my attendance at Super 32s wasn’t easy, but I was able to get ahead of the game by beginning my preparation a year in advance. I was able to mentally prepare as well as get my body physically in better shape than it already was. Throughout the year I had a really tough schedule hitting several big tournaments. This made it easier for me to remain focused on improving my technique and getting better everyday. I kept constantly bringing myself back to the moment when my Coach told me I needed to change something in order to change my results. I watched a lot of film and came in on the weekends to get in extra work. Watching film made me fall more in love with the sport. I found myself becoming a fan and not just an athlete. This improved my wrestling a lot as I would see moves and do my best to replicate them in the room. If I was successful in executing the moves it was something I could add to my arsenal. |
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| Prior to Super 32s I attended Fargo Nationals. This was a great experience to see how I competed against National Competitors. I learned a lot about my technique and what I needed to improve on. I specifically focused on perfecting my underhooks as these would become one of my main ways of setting up my attacks at Super 32. Fargo also contributed to building my confidence as I finished as a Double All-American. I watched my matches from Fargo and made the adjustments I felt were necessary. As Super 32 was approaching I felt really excited knowing that I had something to prove and this was my last chance. The last few weeks of practice seemed never ending because I was ready for some real-live competition. The wait had finally come to an end, and it was time to head to North Carolina. Coming to this tournament with my team put my mind at ease and made me feel more relaxed because I was having a great time with my teammates. |
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As I stepped into the arena I felt confident in myself because I knew that I belonged amongst the best wrestlers in the country. Having self-confidence throughout the tournament really helped keep my head on my main goal which was placing in this tournament. I felt really good after my first few matches, and I was able to beat each opponent efficiently. However, my matches began getting tougher, but with the support system I had behind me including my family and teammates, I was able to get through it. I successfully made it to the Quarter Finals where I suffered my first loss. This was a minor setback that I was ready to come back from. |
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| My next opponent was someone that I had faced before, and who I lost to the past Four times. Going into this match I knew it was different. I had so much more confidence, and I knew that I could beat him. It was a close match but ended in my favor beating him with ONE second left in overtime. Winning this match was huge, this meant I was officially going to be a Super 32 Placer. Unfortunately, I let this win get to my head and my mindset was off by “just an inch.” At a high-level of wrestling if you’re off by “just an inch,” you’re off by too much. I lost my next two matches and ended up placing 8th overall. Although in my head I came up short, I know this is a huge accomplishment, and I hope to see more Super 32 Placers and even Champs from Nevada in the upcoming years. I would like to thank all my coaches at Gold Rush and Slam, my family, teammates, and God for without them none of this would be possible. |
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| Links to Manny’s 1st and 2nd Bios |
Here is the link to Manny’s First Athlete of the Month for NVSportsLocal
Manny Saldate Bio Part 1 |
Here is the link to Manny’s First Athlete of the Month for NVSportsLocal
Manny Saldate Bio Part 2 |
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