Ever since junior Keith Mincin became a wrestling champion at 12 years old, he has not stopped setting goals for the upcoming wrestling season.

Mincin plays a key role on the wrestling team, making it to WPIALs last season. On the football team he plays H-back and linebacker.

Being a multisport athlete can become stressful and although Mincin’s main focus is football, he is locked into whatever sport he is playing at the time.

“When I am playing the sport that is in season, I don’t worry about the other sport.”

He is looking forward to tackling the season with a team that is “almost complete.” At their first meet, Mincin took second, junior Owen Klodowski took first, and sophomore Ramil Islamov took fourth.

“We should have a very good dual season against a tough schedule. We have many wrestlers who are very talented and ready to compete,” he said.

Mincin’s teammates – Klodowski, who has been wrestling with Mincin for 10 years, and Islamov, who has been wrestling with him for seven years, are inspired to work harder and help their teammates.

Mincin is a great competitor and his work ethic motivates the team.

Klodowski can remember several great times when Mincin was not just his teammate, but also his friend. Over the past 10 years, Klodowski says his favorite memories were traveling to Virginia Beach for a meet with another team or going to junior high states together.

“We’re always having fun and making memories with not only each other, but the entire team,” Klodowski said.

Islamov said he sees Mincin as a role model who has helped to push him to be better

“I was not very good when I started, and I’ve always wanted to be as good as him, “ he said.

Mincin makes sure everyone is focused at practice and working their hardest. He is going into this season with a strong mindset, and said he wants to beat the opponents he lost to last year.

He is inspired most by his parents. He said his parents always look for the best in him, which pushes him to set higher expectations for himself.

“My coaches also inspire me because they push me hard all practice to make me better,” Mincin said.