Senior Cody Randal was already juggling four varsity sports last year when he decided to add a fifth one. 

With three sports seasons during a school year, most athletes participate in one or two sports. Randal participates in cross-country, indoor track, wrestling, outdoor track, and lacrosse. 

“It’s really hard to manage my time, but with the help of all my coaches I’m able to succeed in sports and academics,” Randal said. 

During this winter sports season, Randal is participating in indoor track, which is the sport he said he is best at, and wrestling. He started wrestling his freshman year because he saw it as something new to try with his friends.

“I first joined because I thought it would be fun, and I soon learned how challenging it was and learned to love it,” he said.

Sometimes that challenge has meant taking on wrestlers from heavier weight classes.

“I was wrestling against a really tough kid from West Mifflin, while bumping up a weight class. This was a challenge because he was 12 pounds heavier. I lost this match but I learned to give it my all even when the odds are stacked against me,” Randal said. 

Wrestling has helped him with his confidence and his personal development as the years have gone by. Junior John Starusko said he has seen Randal grow stronger physically and mentally when it comes to wrestling. 

“He can go against almost anyone if he really tries and wants to because of how determined he is,” Starusko said. 

Randal has had many wins throughout his wrestling career. Beating a senior opponent when he was a sophomore would have to be one of the best wins, he said. 

“Sophomore year I wrestled a senior from Ringgold on his senior rec night and pinned him in the second period, which was one of the best feelings,” said Randal. 

After not being able to participate in three tournaments last year because he had Covid, Randal hopes to be at every meet this season. 

Sophomore Keith Mincin said he is excited to see how Randal does this year because of how determined he is. 

“It’s his senior year and he has gotten progressively better, so I can’t wait to see what he brings on this year,” Mincin said.