At this time last year, Camp Verde Middle School eighth-grader Skylar Pike was preparing to wrestle for the 98-pound state middle school title in Tucson.
On paper, beyond a slight graduation in school and weight class, it would appear little has changed for the 106-pound freshman at Camp Verde High School.
But ask Pike, and he’ll tell you a different story.
“It’s been a big adjustment,” he said. “Everything’s different.
“I walk around about two-and-a-half pounds under all the time. The muscle factor’s two times more. Everybody’s more into it — they’re dedicated, they’re crisp, working hard.”
Going into the final home multiple match of the season against Mayer and Parker high schools Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 4:30 p.m., Pike has established himself not only on the mat for the Cowboys, but in the classroom as well.
He has a 4.0 grade-point average in addition to winning a tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler award and two tournament titles.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Jan. 14, issue of the Camp Verde Journal.