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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 19, 2012
Sports
Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff
Trayvon Zabala has his sights set on a state title this season.
Zabala on a mission By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
A year ago, the hope for a state wrestling title was taken from Joliet Central’s Trayvon Zabala in the second round of the state tournament, after an apparent slam of Barrington’s Jared Parvinmeh in the second
round that left Parvinmeh unable to wrestle the rest of the tournament. Zabala battled back and placed third, dominating the wrestlebacks. This year, as a senior, Zabala is focused on winning the state title. “I am really motivated,” he
said. “I am going to work hard at practice and in my matches. I am not going to keep anything back.” In fact, he’s putting himself more out there as he has wrestled at 126 pounds most of the season, even though he is certified at 120 and will compete at the lower weight in the state series. “I have bumped up all my matches and I haven’t lost at 126 (pounds). I only have wrestled twice at 120,” he said.“I am bumping up to get stronger. I am getting used to the big kids now, so I will be ready for the little kids up kids when I go back down. I know it scares the 120 pounders because they see I am not losing at 126.” Zabala said it is a different style when he wrestles up or at his weight. “The kids up are way bigger than me, so I have to use technique and speed more,” he said. “When I am at 120, I am stronger. Joliet Central coach Pat O’Connell knows no matter See MISSION, page 15