Garrett McLaren

From the beginning of his first year of wrestling at the high school level, freshman Garrett McLaren said his goal was to qualify for the state tournament. As the season progressed, he added another goal to the list: place at state. Although his second goal may not have been accomplished, McLaren has three more years to reach the podium and achieve additional goals set. He would like to be a state place-winner as a sophomore and become a state champion before he graduates. McLaren finished his freshman season with a record of 36-17, with 20 pins.

Leading up to the state tournament, he said he “could barely sit in my seat for class,” and nervously paced in the hotel room. However, when the group arrived at the Wells Fargo Arena, he began to truly realize the situation and appreciate the experience. “I looked up at my family and everyone else from Atlantic in the suite and just smiled with joy that I had gotten there and they were watching me,” McLaren said.

Being able to wrestle and qualify for state with his oldest brother was also very special for McLaren. “It made me realize how much he’s influenced me as a wrestler and a person.” Along with the guidance from his brother, he said the wrestling staff for the Atlantic-CAM Trojans are the best and “will do anything they can to make you the best that you can be.” He also pointed out the appreciation he has for the support the community gives the wrestlers. “People that don’t even have kids wrestling come and supported us at tournaments outside of Atlantic, and that means a lot.”