Farmington High School’s wrestling team chose senior Ella Baron as the first ever female captain in team history. From joining as a freshman, to now being one of the best wrestlers in her weight class, she brings both dedication and hard work to her role.
“As a captain you need to have a better attitude,” Baron said. “You need to work harder and you need to know what you are doing so you can help the rest of your team.”
Baron decided to join wrestling after watching her cousin wrestle and thinking it seemed like fun. Like most athletes, she faced challenges such as hitting certain moves during the beginning of her wrestling career. As a female captain, there are more challenges off the mat for Baron to overcome.
“I feel like I have to work harder to get respect than if a guy was a captain,” Baron said.
Fourth year wrestling coach Benjamin Jozwiak finds Baron to be a great captain for their team no matter what.
“She is dedicated to the sport and works off season to improve,” Jozwiak said. “She is a perfect example of what I would like all of our wrestlers to strive for.”
When it comes to her leadership skills as captain, her determination and courage does not go unnoticed by her coach.
“I can always count on Ella to lead by example. She does everything she can to be on the mat,” Jozwiak said. “She never shies away from competition and is not afraid to speak her mind.”
Her teammates, like sophomore Sam Ingesoulian who has wrestled with Baron for two years, also have immense respect for their captain.
“Ella, by far, is the best captain on the team as she is heard and listened to by my fellow teammates,” Ingesoulian said. “She knows when to be serious and when to have fun.”
With the respect from her coaches and teammates and the support from her parents who have been her biggest cheerleaders during her career, she hopes to have a successful senior season.
“My goal this year is to make it to regionals,” Baron said. “I would also like to have a positive record.”
With her experience, Baron has advice for other girls that may want to do wrestling in the future.
“Don’t take it personally if the guys don’t want to be your partner, it’s nothing against you,” Baron said. “It just feels awkward because most guys are taught not to hurt a girl.”
Baron continues to make an impact on not only the FHS wrestling team, but for other future female wrestlers by being an inspiration to what they can achieve.
