Lots of kids start playing a sport when they are little. But junior Dylan Fleming just started wrestling last year, and is now a captain for Baldwin’s wrestling team.

“I had a few friends who asked me to try it, and I just started going to practice and fell in love with it from there,” Fleming said.

Whenever he is not wrestling for Baldwin, he still works hard. During the offseason, he goes to Quest wrestling club. Because of his hard work, he was awarded rookie of the year last year.

Last year, Fleming’s weight class was 114 pounds. He now wrestles 121 and 126 and he said that it is more of a challenge.

“My weight class is known for being harder and having more skilled wrestlers, so I always like having good competition,” Fleming said.

Senior wrestler Parraish Brinson said that Fleming changing weight classes was beneficial for the team. 

“Dylan wrestles hard always and comes up big when it matters. He had to bump up a weight last minute against Peters and managed to get a big win for the team,” Brinson said

When he was part of the 114 weight class, Fleming had to cut a lot of weight. He said it was one of his least favorite parts of wrestling.

“Cutting weight has always been my least favorite part,” Fleming said. “Being dehydrated and hungry all week before a competition is always difficult.”

During Fleming’s first competition, he made a core memory by pinning the opposing team’s captain.

“It was my first-ever team competition, and I was in the last match of the night. I went out there against their team captain and ended up pinning him,” Fleming said. “I remember everyone cheering. It was one of the best feelings.”

Junior wrestler Mikey Griffiths noted that Fleming is a great teammate and plays a big role on the team. 

“Dylan is a good wrestler and plays a big part in our success, while also being reliable when it comes to showing up and giving others rides if needed.”

Brinson agreed that Fleming plays a key role on the team.

“Dylan is a great teammate and is always there paying attention to people’s matches,” Brinson said.

A lot of wrestlers get hyped up before matches, but Fleming is the opposite.

“Before a match, I just try to focus and play through it in my head,” Fleming said. “I try to visualize the match and calm myself down.”

Griffiths notices that calm demeanor. 

“Dylan works hard and is very mindful, and he also encourages others,” Griffiths said.

Fleming’s WPIAL record is 4-4 so far this year. On Wednesday, the Highlanders clinched a playoff bid by defeating Bethel Park.

“I am really happy we clinched against Bethel. It was the loudest I have ever heard it.” Fleming said.