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02/06/2024 11:16 AMTo be a good leader means one shows a lot of characteristics, such as confidence, talent, determination, and care for those around them. All of these and more are displayed on a daily basis by Tim Hastings, a wrestler who contributes in every possible way for the Grizzlies on the mat.
The 215-pound senior captain, who currently boasts a 22-7 record with 15 pin victories this season, found that wrestling came naturally for him. Tim wasn't a life-long wrestler, like some of the better wrestlers who compete. He picked up the sport his sophomore year of high school to help out with football, but quickly grew a love for it. As he progressed in his wrestling career and continued to get better, Tim’s hard work was finally recognized.
“I was honored for my coach to nominate me, because I look up to him,” Tim says. “This means so much because of all the hard work I’ve put in for the last three years.”
The hard work is truly something that stands out about Tim, with his constant commitment and dedication to the sport. Not only that, though, but his ability to lead his teammates effectively helped him to quickly earn their trust and respect on the mats this winter.
“I believe a good leader cares about everyone on the team, and they model that on and off the mat,” says Tim. “For me, this looks like encouraging a teammate who is frustrated after a loss, helping younger players understand the sport better, and connecting with one another outside of practice. This builds relationships and fosters connection, so we all do our best.”
Guilford wrestling Head Coach Craig Vedrani sees Tim as an athlete who represents only the best version of a team leader, and sees him as someone whose character is exceptional, day in and day out.
“Tim is a great role model for all the other athletes,” says Vedrani. “He is a high character person who is hardworking, honest, caring, and extremely kind to those who surround him. Tim excels on the mat and in the classroom, and is respected by his teachers, coaches, and teammates. He exemplifies the type of student-athlete we try to mold in our wrestling program. He finished third at the Guilford Invitational, and is a good student in the classroom. Timmy is a good captain who always leads by example. He has a strong interest in all the team members, no matter their ability. He is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.”
While he was a younger, inexperienced wrestler when he joined the team, Tim was surrounded by some more experienced, talented mat masters. He would wrestle with state champions Brent Strand, Eddie Barlage, and Chris Murphy (also an Open and New England Champion) in practice, which helped shape him into the wrestler he is today.
“Rolling with these guys in practice everyday really helped Timmy get better,” says Vedrani. “He quickly was able to learn the techniques, and had no choice but to get tough.”
During his junior year last season, Tim saw the varsity mat for the first time. In his first winter wrestling at the varsity level, Tim had a positive record, going 21-17 with 15 pin victories. He’s already surpassed his win total from last season, and has 10 less losses than he did a year ago.
As he reflects on his final campaign on the mat so far, Tim is happy with how he’s performed, but knows there is always room for improvement.
“I feel like I’ve done well,” says Tim. “There have been a few matches when I got stuck or didn’t wrestle my best, but those days only made me work harder. To improve, I think lifting more throughout the season is helpful, especially in my weight class. I could also benefit from taking more risks in my matches.”
Tim knows that wrestling has been much more for him than just his performance on the mats, as he has made great friendships that he hopes will continue beyond high school. As he approaches the last few weeks of his high school wrestling career, Tim is staying focused on being a strong foundation for his teammates, and keeping them motivated so they can reach their full potential. As for his individual goals, he holds himself to a high standard when it comes to the postseason matches, but having that confidence and belief in himself is something that’s always gotten him far in his athletic endeavors.
“My main goal for the rest of the season is to place third or higher at SCCs, and to place first at the Class M State Tournament,” says Tim. “More than anything, I want to lead my team well and enjoy my final weeks of wrestling.”
Vedrani looks forward to seeing his senior captain compete in the SCC and Class M State Tournaments before the 2023-2024 season concludes, knowing his star has so much potential to achieve great accolades on the big stage.
“Tim is having a nice senior year, and I look forward to seeing him compete in the SCC and Class M State Tournament,” says Vedrani. “When Timmy is wrestling his best, he can hang with most anyone.”