The time of year when the community piles into the gymnasium here at St. Louis High School to cheer on their successful wrestling team is right around the corner! As the leaves begin to fall, the excitement here is rising, and two individuals are facing a bit more pressure as they prepare to enter their senior year.
Alex Rodriguez and Owen Fogel have made the community proud, both bringing home individual wrestling state titles at the 113 pound weight class. It seems this weight class has brought some luck to the Sharks! Rodriguez got the job done first in March of 2024, during his sophomore year, while Fogel was able to complete the same task his junior year in March of 2025.
The two have represented the Shark wrestling program well, not only bringing success individually, but helping their team achieve it too. As they enter their senior year, they are given a tremendous opportunity. What better way to end their high school careers than to make history by being the first two time wrestling state champions at St. Louis?
It is clear that this brings some pressure, though the champs have proven that they can handle it. When asked about it, Fogel stated, “There isn’t much pressure. I have been working hard all off season, and I am confident in myself.” Rodriguez had a similar response, stating, “There is none individually, I feel like it’s more on the team because we lost a lot with the senior class last year.” Though they have some worries about the team this year, it is clear that the two are confident in themselves, and believe they can get the job done again.
The sport of wrestling is very demanding, and it is evident that these two have put a lot of time and effort into it. When it comes to reaching their level of success, there has to be a strong source of motivation. Fogel stated, “I am motivated by that feeling of winning a state championship. I remember what it felt like to lose in the semifinals, and I do not want that feeling again.” Rodriguez takes a different approach, stating, “My parents have been my motivation. I know that they believe in me, and I do not want to let them down.” Everyone has his or her own source of motivation, and it is what helps people like Fogel and Rodriguez do so well in their sports. The success these two have experienced has been a direct result of the hours upon hours put into their passion.
Outside of medals, what else has the sport of wrestling done for them? Fogel feels he has received some valuable life lessons. He stated, “It taught me not to cut corners and to always do the little things. Always look at the bigger picture.” He believes that these skills will guide him in life and help him find more success. Rodriguez stated, “On a bigger scale, the people I have met during wrestling will be my friends for life.” Whether it’s skills or friendship, the champs have received a lot. There are a lot of expectations surrounding the two, and it is exciting to see what the champs will do in their final run.
