For York Dragons wrestler Tucker Beaty, the journey to the mat did not start with a lifelong plan, but rather with patience.
Beaty said he was pulled into wrestling after waiting around for a practice to finish one day, an unexpected moment that sparked what has become a defining part of his high school experience. Now entering his junior year, Beaty has grown into a consistent contributor for the Dragons, competing primarily in the 144- and 150-pound weight classes.
Beaty said the relationships built outside the mats are what keep him motivated.
“It’s always been encouraging to have friends in the same sport,” Beaty said. “You show up and then, maybe [they’re] having a rough day, and then you realize other people are having days of their own, you’re able to be with them and share that experience.”
That sense of shared struggle carries over to competition, where nerves are unavoidable. Beaty said stepping onto the mat is still nerve-wracking, but learning to embrace those feelings has helped him grow as a wrestler.
“Whenever you see the nerves as part of the process you realize that it’s a thing that’s supposed to happen and occurs to all wrestlers you’ll be able to use it more in the process of motivation.” Beaty said.
Despite the intensity of the sport, Beaty said he genuinely enjoys competition and the challenge each match presents. His hard work has paid off, as he has surpassed 30 career wins during his time with the Dragons.
As a student-athlete, Beaty said he balances his time between the classroom and the mat, with both demanding the same level of commitment.
“[As long as I’m] showing up every day, putting in the best to your ability effort-wise and really just being a kind person, that’s part of it,” Beaty said. “I’ve really kept [that mindset] the past few years.”
Beaty said the most rewarding moments come after the final whistle, when the work is done and the results can be shared with those around him.
As Beaty prepares for his junior season, he continues to build not only on his growing list of wins, but on the values and connections that first pulled him to the mat.