Athlete of the Month
James Jimenez

Pictures and Content courtesy of the Jimenez Family

James is now taking after his dad, who was a wrestler in junior high and high school. James and his cousins (his age group) have always wrestled around but never thought he would be a wrestler. James loves soccer and played soccer in school; James then realized he likes wrestling more. James started attending Predators Wrestling Club in November. At the same time, he tried to play soccer while wrestling but soon realized wrestling is a sport that needs a lot of practice lessons, commitment and dedication, and that it’ll all pay off in tournaments. After all those years of play wrestling and being active, it has paid off for him. He now realizes he wants to be a wrestler.
James is extremely dedicated to the sport now. He does private lessons and work outs, and on top of that, he participates in practice with his club. He is involved 4-5 days a week, 4-5 hours a day, in lessons for wrestling. He may complain while getting ready to go, but once he is out the front door, his attitude is different because he knows this is how you become the champion you want to be.
James has proven that this dedication is not just a physical sport but also a mental and personality change. James used to get in trouble for talking back and being disruptive in class. At home, James was allowed to speak his mind, but he wanted to have the last word every time, and he also liked to talk back. His teacher and I communicate weekly to see how he has been acting in class and if he has gotten into any trouble. I also compare that to his attitude at home, and if he is acting up in both places, I let the coaches know so he can talk with coaches to determine the issue. Since having these conversations with the coaches, James has stopped being disruptive and talking over the teacher. He has improved his attitude at home, just as much as he has at school. James has become a better student, and a better person in general. He is more respectful and a better listener since he has been in the wrestling club.
The coaches; Coach Andres, Coach Luis, Coach Matt (James dad, who’s becoming a PWC coach), consistently teach their kids to be respectful, courteous, disciplined, and listen to their parents. If it wasn’t for their dedication and family values the coaches drill into their heads, my son would still be struggling in class, and at home ,to find who he wants to be.
James is in 5th grade and attends Rita Cannon Elementary. James loves to collect Pokeman cards and play Pokeman Go. James loves being a big brother to his sister, Alyssa, and teaching her wrestling–as she goes to practices with him. He loves to be outdoors with his family. He loves to barbeque, swim, fish and hike. He is kind hearted, happy, and a loving individual. Everyone loves to be around James because he loves to make others laugh and be happy.
James has high goals for himself. James wants to be a State Champ, an NCAA College Champ, and he wants to win an OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL. I am in his corner to keep him in the lines to believe he can reach his dreams and goals. I will always be there to continue to direct him in the right direction to accomplish these.
I, Vanessa (mom) and his cousins; Blaize, Isaiah, Lilly, have been his biggest fans who are always at every tournament to cheer him on. His uncle Isaac, and his family, also go to his tournaments. We are all very excited to see James grow.
Here are his accomplishments so far: *James has doubled bracketed as listed below Record: 34-3 29 Pins 11 – 1st Places 2- 2nd Places 1-3rd Place *USA NV State Champs True Beginner Freestyle 1st Place *USA NV State Champs Freestyle 12U 2nd Place USA NV State Champs Greco True Beginner 3rd place *USA NV State Champs True Beginner 1st place *USA NV STATE CHAMP -12U 1ST Place SWA FOLKSTYLE 12U 1ST Place SWA GRECO 12U 1ST Place SWA FREESTYLE 12U 1ST Place