Jay’s Tayten Reece
At the age of 12 Tayten Reece found his passion. It was on the wrestling mat. Now a junior at Jay High School, Reece qualified for the state tournament this season after some adversity when the season started.
“This season was very unpredictable, the first couple weeks of wrestling I was just improving super rapidly, but I had an injury that put me out for a month and then eventually got mono. The doctor said I wouldn’t be able to wrestle the whole season,” Reece said. “After I figured the effects were gone, I went to a different doctor and got released. That’s when my season really started. I still had some of the effects, but I overcame and persevered and cut like 15-20 each week. To be honest I don’t even know how I made state.”
Despite the break in action, Reece was able to work certain skills that allowed him to find success on the mat.
“At the start of the season it was mainly my blast double, but after the injury I got scared of doing it and lost all my confidence. I mainly relied on throws and single legs, and I thought I got pretty good at leg riding and cradles,” said Reece.
Also a football player and a thrower on the track team, Reece said the support he gets from teammates and family means a lot.
“It means everything to me, having people that rely on me makes me feel content,” Reece said. “They enjoy practicing with me and always cheer me on even if I’m losing.”
Reece said he is inspired by his father and his work ethic.
“Off the mat, my dad always taught me good work ethic, and my mom always helped me when I was at my lowest and told me to not give up on something just because it’s hard. On the mat, is definitely my coaches and teammates, we’ve only known these coaches for just a year and were already comfortable with them,” said Reece.
Reece said making the state tournament has been his greatest accomplishment on the mat.
“I am most proud of making state and somehow making weight every week, even being 20 pounds overweight most weeks.”
