I’m A Student Athlete - Josh White
Senior Josh White has made a name for himself this year at Green Run High School. This 140-pound senior has the most wins in the history of Green Run’s wrestling program. With over forty wins this year, including more than two dozen pins, White’s overall record stands at more than 130 wins and 30 losses.
In the 2003 and 2004 AAU National Tournaments, which were held in Hampton Roads, he placed, respectively, 5th and 7th. With a 3.5 GPA as well as an avid interest in both math and science, White has proven himself both an athlete and a scholar. Gameday Magazine recently had an opportunity to sit down and talk with this dynamic young man and ask him some questions about how he got to this point.
GAMEDAY: How did you get into wrestling and what about it appeals to you?
White: I tried out for the Plaza Middle School wrestling team in 6th grade and I was really surprised and excited when I made it. Since then, wrestling has been a big part of my life. I think the thing I enjoy about it is the individuality of the sport. For instance, if I do something wrong on the mat, I can look at video or get advice from my coaches and fix whatever problems I’m having. I am in control and so I know that I’ll succeed if I give it all that I have.
GAMEDAY: What would you say are some of your strengths on the mat?
White: I’m pretty good on my feet and I like to think that I’m pretty quick. As far as size goes, I’m not as big as some of the other wrestlers on my team and in the district, but I work hard so that I can hold my own. My coaches tell me that I am a very technical wrestler. That’s another area that I work on – my technique. That’s what helps me win.
GAMEDAY: Technique – is that one of your main areas of focus in practice? Are there any other areas that you focus on?
White: Technique is definitely one area that I pay a lot of attention to. But there are others also. A big one is shots or takedowns. I also work on my stance and agility. It’s really important that any wrestler know where he is on the mat. He also has to know where his hands are and how he can get them to a better position. All of these are what I focus on when I’m practicing.
GAMEDAY: Is there anyone who influences your performance on the mat?
White: Oh, definitely. First are my parents, Tammy and Edmond Cicogna. They are always supportive of me and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My wrestling coaches have also been a big part of my success. I have two coaches, Doc Laumann and Frank Lavoire. Both of these guys wrestled in Virginia Beach when they were in high school. They have been around for a long time, so they know a lot about the sport itself and the Beach District.
GAMEDAY: What are your aspirations after high school?
White: I want to wrestle in college. There are a few schools that I’m looking at right now. I want to major in business.
GAMEDAY: What advice would you give to a younger person who might be considering taking up wrestling?
White: I would tell him that if he wants to be successful in wrestling, it requires lots of hard work and practice. Sometimes the training can be repetitive but that’s what you need to do to succeed. You have to be tough to compete in and enjoy this sport. But there’s more than practice. You have to feed your body right. Even though it takes a lot of effort, there are benefits that come from being a wrestler. The obvious benefit is that is makes you stronger both physically and mentally, but another thing you can gain from wrestling is the confidence to be a leader. This is a great sport for people who like to compete but do things individually. It has definitely been a benefit to me and there are plenty of other people who can use this sport to their advantage.
It sounds like White is on the road to success both on and off the mat. With a bright college future ahead of him, he will continue to be a student athlete for years to come.
