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Proud captain, Wiliam Altamirano, cheers on his teammates at the annual Cavalier Wrestling scrimmage.
Proud captain, Wiliam Altamirano, cheers on his teammates at the annual Cavalier Wrestling scrimmage.
Gaby Blanco

From Amateur Wrestler to Captain, William Altamirano Leads his Crew

Recalling his first time on the mat, Altamirano looks back with fondness as he prepares for his last
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In the world of athletic altitude, many who walk the halls of Coral Gables Senior High find their place among friends and in their studies. For senior Wiliam Altamirano, nothing feels more like home than spending some time on the mat.

Coming from a wrestler father, Altamirano was introduced to the world of bouts and cradles in his early childhood. Always paying extra attention to his father’s stories about his time on the mat, he grew admiration not just for his dad but for the sport itself. Spending his formative years hoping to one day follow in his footsteps; entering Gables, he decided to try out the combat sport during his sophomore year.

Facing his longtime friend at the Wrestling Scrimmage, Altamirano fought with determination and pride, securing another victory. (Courtesy of Altamirano)

“He actually told me about his wrestling background when he told me a story about an altercation that he got into with a drunk guy. He told me that his wrestling skills helped him defend himself. So since I heard that story I wanted to do it, mainly to learn self-defense,” senior Altamirano said.

During the wrestling preseason, Altamirano was approached by Coach Hardy in his Physical Education class about giving wrestling a chance. With his father in mind and the prospect of joining a team that made him feel inspired, he and Coach Hardy shook hands.

After joining the team, Altamirano not only grew his wrestling abilities, but he grew a bond with his newfound team, a bond he feels has taken him to where he is today. Always acting as a team player, he learned to focus on positive rivalries and on supporting his teammates to create a better environment not just for himself, but for the team.

“I never forget that we’re all teammates, a win, even if it’s not my own, is a win for the Cavalier Wrestling family. Our relationship is all love, so at the end of the day there should never be any hard feelings,” senior Altamirano said.

As Altamirano grew from a newbie to a mentor, it was no surprise the title of Cavalier Wrestling Co-Captain was his. Along with his upperclassman teammates, Diego Imbert, Angel Obando, Abner Fuentes and Levon Johnson, he works to preserve and better his team. Focusing on fostering growth by sharing feedback and holding practice matches, he makes sure there is always room to push his teammates toward greatness.

“My relationship with William I would say is strong. He’s very much involved in the team, always making everyone laugh. <y favorite thing about Willy is his smile. He carries so much joy with it and he’s an awesome guy. He’s also an amazing wrestler; his wrestling style is very smart and there’s always things to learn from him,” senior Abner Fuentes said.

At the annual Wrestling Banquet, Altamirano stands alongside his teammates as their achievements are honored. (Courtesy of Altamirano)

His proudest moment continues to be his match against G. Holdmes Braddock Senior High school, the qualifying match that got him to regionals during the 2022-2023 school year.

“I felt really nervous going into the match because I knew that if I lost my season would be over. But after the whistle blew all the butterflies disappeared. I used double undercooks to take the guy down and pin him. After I won, I just felt so relieved and so happy for what was to come,” senior Wiliam Altamirano said.

The wrestling team continues to work to perfect their techniques with extra practices and scrimmages, with Altamirano at its forefront. After a memorable three years on the team, he and his teammates prepare to take on the 2023-2024 season with even more discipline and dedication than before. As the athlete readiest himself for his future, he looks to the horizon with excitement, hoping to attend the University of Florida and pursue medicine.

About the Contributors
Lorena Acevedo
Lorena Acevedo, CavsConnect Staff Writer
Entering her final year at Coral Gables Senior High, senior Lorena Acevedo hopes to make this her most notable year yet. As returning member of Cavsconnect, she aims to continue doing what she loves most, write. She considers her past three years with the publication one of the things that has made her high school experience so memorable, and will always feel lucky to be a part of this team. When she is not chasing an interview or busy  typing away, Lorena maintains her involvement at Gables as a Peer Health Educator for the Health Information Project. This year, in between spending time out with friends and binging any early 2000's drama, Lorena will conquer her toughest feat. Becoming a Miami driver. Aside from this, she lives for all things beauty as she is often found giving her friends at home lash-lifts and spending too much time in the Sephora checkout line. With graduation on the horizon, Lorena is eager to explore what the future holds as she steps into adulthood.
Gaby Blanco
Gaby Blanco, CavsTV Photography Editor
Gaby Blanco is a senior in the DEH academy at Gables. Being Gaby’s third year as the photography editor of CavsTV, she hopes to round off her year by winning awards for her work at FSPA and spreading her love for the hobby. Besides school, she enjoys playing and watching everything horror and going out with her friends as much as possible. Coming as a surprise to many people, Gaby actually wants to study Architecture in the future and not journalism! She has been studying architecture for the past 4 years, is certified, and hopes to pursue an education studying abroad after she graduates.
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