Athlete of the Month
James Jimenez

Pictures and Content courtesy of the Jimenez Family

James, is now taking after his dad who also was a wrestler in junior high and high school. James is such an amazing, loving and trustworthy 12-year-old. He loves to spend time with his best friends/cousins Isaiah and Emma, who are also a part of the Predators Wrestling Club. They hold each other accountable at practice and at home. James and his cousins have always wrestled around, but he never thought he would be a wrestler. James loves soccer and played soccer in school; James has now realized he likes wrestling more.
James started attending Predators Wrestling Club in November, a club run by his Uncles, Luis and Andres Barragan. At the same time, he tried to play soccer too but soon decided that wrestling is a sport that needs a lot of practice, commitment and dedication. He decided that he wants to dedicate his time to being a full-time wrestler which has all paid off in tournaments. James is extremely dedicated to the sport now. He does private lessons and work outs, on top of participating in practice with his club. He is involved 4-5 days a week, 4-5 hours a day, in wrestling related activities. He may complain while getting ready to go, but once he is out the front door, his attitude changes because he knows this is how you become the champion you want to be.
James has proven that this sport is not just a physical sport but also a mental sport, as well as a way of life. 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 always wanted to have the last word every time. His teacher and I now communicate weekly to see how his behavior is, and I compare that to his attitude at home. I’m fortunate for his coaches as they have always understood the proper disciplinary measures to take in order to correct him; although like I previously said, he doesn’t have the same issues anymore thanks to wrestling.
Since having these conversations with the coaches, James has made a complete turnaround. He 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 with Predators Wrestling Club. The coaches; Coach Luis, Coach Andres, Coach John and Coach Luke consistently teach their athletes to be respectful, courteous, disciplined, and listen to their parents. If it wasn’t for their dedication and family values these coaches drill into them, my son would still be struggling in class, and at home to find who he wants to be. James is now in 7th grade and attends Traner Middle School.
James loves to collect Pokémon cards and play Pokémon Go. James also loves being a big brother to his sister Alyssa, and teaches her wrestling, as she goes to practices with him. He loves being outdoors with his family BBQing, swimming, fishing, camping and hiking. He still enjoys playing soccer as a goalie in his spare time away from wrestling. His Coaches/Uncles Luis and Andres have influenced him and play a major role in his life. He truly looks up to them. They’ve molded him into a strong, dependable, resilient young man that now knows what truly matters in his day-to-day life. James is grateful for these men who take time out of their busy lives to help him carve his path to success on the mat and in life. 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 multiple time State Champ, an NCAA Champion, and also hopes to win OLYMPIC and WORLD GOLD MEDALS for USA. I am in his corner and help him continue to believe he can reach his dreams and goals. I will always be there to point him in the right direction to accomplish these goals. I, Vanessa (mom)and his cousins; Blaize, Isaiah, Lilly and Amayah have been his biggest fans who are always at every tournament to root for him. His Uncle Isaac, and the rest of 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 12 – 1st Places 3- 2nd Places 2023 Freakshow Champion 12U 130lbs 2024 Freakshow Champion 13U 144lbs 2024 Reno Worlds 5 th Place 12U 135lbs 2023 Cosmic Bash Champion 12U 136lbs 2024 Cosmic Bash Runner-up 12U HWT 2024 Cosmic Bash 5 th Place 13U 156lbs 2024 Western States Folk Champion MS 135lbs 2024 Western States Freestyle 6 th MS 135lbs *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
Here is the link to James’s First Athlete of the Month for NVSportsLocal James Jimenez Bio Part 1