I recently caught up with 119 lb. Blackfoot varsity wrestling standout, Leo Torres. Torres, a senior, has been instrumental in Blackfoot’s back-to-back state title run, and is off to an impressive 22-3 start this season.
Justin: What originally got you into wrestling?
Leo: My teammate Kyle Williams. Back in 7th grade Kyle was in my class and he talked me into going to wrestling practice. It only took a few days before I was hooked.
Justin: Who do you wrestle with in practice?
Leo: Kyle Williams, Wilson Carter, Gerald Cervantes, and Stetson Jorgensen. They’re all pretty tough and they have great technique, which keeps me honest. I can’t really get away with any cheap moves when I’m wrestling with those guys.
J: I’ve seen “BAB” written on Blackfoot wrestling sweatshirts. What does that mean?
L: BAB is simply an attitude. It’s in the way we carry ourselves. It’s an acronym that includes the words “bad” and “black”. I think people can fill in the blank.
J: What are you listening to on your iPod before a match?
L: Some techno, some rock, and a little bit of rap. They’re the perfect mix to get me in the right mindset to wrestle.
J: Some people have a tough time understanding what would possess a guy to dress up in a spandex singlet and go roll around with another sweaty dude. How do you respond?
L: It’s all people’s way of seeing it. If you’ve been on the mat and know what it’s like, you’d know that this claim is ridiculous. Wrestling is controlled fighting, and when you step into a fight or flight situation and you decide to fight, your mind goes into a very focused mode.
J: What other hobbies or interests do you have?
L: I love playing soccer, I like to draw, and of course, I like hanging out with my buddies.
J: I’ve seen you in some high-profile matches including the Tiger-Grizz finals and the 4A State finals. What’s it like to compete on such a large stage?
L: It’s a surreal feeling. So much adrenaline. You feel the weight of the moment and you know you’ve got to step it up a notch to get the win.
J: What would you say to the incoming freshman wrestler who doesn’t know what to expect wrestling as a Blackfoot Bronco?
L: They have to step it up because Blackfoot wrestling takes the sport to whole new level that most other schools never go to. They should also know that our wrestling team is like another family. They’re going to be a part of something special.
J: Obviously you’re an excellent wrestler. What do you want to accomplish on the mat as a senior?
L: I want to take first in every tourney from here on out, and I definitely want to win a state tile. I don’t believe in setting goals that don’t encompass everything I want to achieve.
J: You’re a senior now. Have you given any thought to what you want to do after high school?
L: Yeah I want to wrestle in college. Right now I’m trying to figure out which school is going to work best for me.
J: What vehicle can you be spotted in pulling up to school?
L: A red ford pickup. You’ll know it’s me because it’s got “Torres” written on the back.
J: There are some people who say that Blackfoot can’t possibly win state this year. What do you think?
L: I think people are going to have an eye-opening moment at state. Our JV is deep, and they’ll really help us out in the state tournament setting. We’re a very good team this year, and we haven’t had a showing yet that’s up to our potential.
Justin: What originally got you into wrestling?
Leo: My teammate Kyle Williams. Back in 7th grade Kyle was in my class and he talked me into going to wrestling practice. It only took a few days before I was hooked.
Justin: Who do you wrestle with in practice?
Leo: Kyle Williams, Wilson Carter, Gerald Cervantes, and Stetson Jorgensen. They’re all pretty tough and they have great technique, which keeps me honest. I can’t really get away with any cheap moves when I’m wrestling with those guys.
J: I’ve seen “BAB” written on Blackfoot wrestling sweatshirts. What does that mean?
L: BAB is simply an attitude. It’s in the way we carry ourselves. It’s an acronym that includes the words “bad” and “black”. I think people can fill in the blank.
J: What are you listening to on your iPod before a match?
L: Some techno, some rock, and a little bit of rap. They’re the perfect mix to get me in the right mindset to wrestle.
J: Some people have a tough time understanding what would possess a guy to dress up in a spandex singlet and go roll around with another sweaty dude. How do you respond?
L: It’s all people’s way of seeing it. If you’ve been on the mat and know what it’s like, you’d know that this claim is ridiculous. Wrestling is controlled fighting, and when you step into a fight or flight situation and you decide to fight, your mind goes into a very focused mode.
J: What other hobbies or interests do you have?
L: I love playing soccer, I like to draw, and of course, I like hanging out with my buddies.
J: I’ve seen you in some high-profile matches including the Tiger-Grizz finals and the 4A State finals. What’s it like to compete on such a large stage?
L: It’s a surreal feeling. So much adrenaline. You feel the weight of the moment and you know you’ve got to step it up a notch to get the win.
J: What would you say to the incoming freshman wrestler who doesn’t know what to expect wrestling as a Blackfoot Bronco?
L: They have to step it up because Blackfoot wrestling takes the sport to whole new level that most other schools never go to. They should also know that our wrestling team is like another family. They’re going to be a part of something special.
J: Obviously you’re an excellent wrestler. What do you want to accomplish on the mat as a senior?
L: I want to take first in every tourney from here on out, and I definitely want to win a state tile. I don’t believe in setting goals that don’t encompass everything I want to achieve.
J: You’re a senior now. Have you given any thought to what you want to do after high school?
L: Yeah I want to wrestle in college. Right now I’m trying to figure out which school is going to work best for me.
J: What vehicle can you be spotted in pulling up to school?
L: A red ford pickup. You’ll know it’s me because it’s got “Torres” written on the back.
J: There are some people who say that Blackfoot can’t possibly win state this year. What do you think?
L: I think people are going to have an eye-opening moment at state. Our JV is deep, and they’ll really help us out in the state tournament setting. We’re a very good team this year, and we haven’t had a showing yet that’s up to our potential.
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