I had the opportunity to speak with Poway Elite team member Jalen Concepcion about his wrestling accomplishments and how he is staying fit during these times. Concepcion comes from a wrestling family as his elder brothers both competed and placed at the San Diego Masters Meet tournament for Rancho Bernardo.
Aside from competing in wrestling, Concepcion is a phenom in the soccer field as he also enjoys participating in that sport. Here is the Q&A with him. I hope all of you enjoy it and will cheer for this youth wrestler as he continues to conquer the sport of the Gods.
Di Maria – How hard is it to win state?
It is hard, especially in California. In previous years, the highest I’ve placed is 2nd and even lost last year 1-0 in the finals. It was also tough for me to not have won the state tournament in California even though I had beaten previous state champions and even triple crown winners during the season.
Di Maria – What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned from a coach?
I haven’t learned anything strange from any of my coaches.
Di Maria – What’s the hardest part about wrestling for you?
The hardest part about wrestling for me is cutting weight because it takes a lot to not eat, especially since I love food. Also, I don’t enjoy running before weigh-ins.
Di Maria – What’s the biggest prize in wrestling?
The biggest prize in wrestling is being able to travel to different parts of the country and wrestle & compete while you’re there.
Maria – Do you watch professional wrestling on TV? Any favorites?
Yes, the favorites that I usually watch are Final X, Olympics, and the NCAA’s.
Di Maria – How many different moves do you have?
I feel like I have a lot of moves that I can hit but I have my main go-to moves that I usually hit in tough matches.
Di Maria – Are you on a strict diet?
I’m not really on a strict diet because I stay lean when I’m wrestling and playing soccer.
Di Maria – Do your parents eat pizza, burgers, fries, stuff like that in front of you?
Yes, my parents eat all those foods in front of me.
Di Maria – Do you like other sports?
Yes, I play soccer competitively and split my schedule between the two sports.
Di Maria – What sacrifices do you make for wrestling?
I must cut weight and I must take time off from school when I am traveling for tournaments.
Di Maria- How about your parents’ sacrifices?
They spend their money on all the wrestling clothes and gear that I have. They also must take time off work to take me to some of the tournaments out of state.
Di Maria – Of all the trips you’ve taken in wrestling, where’s your favorite place to be?
Indiana for the NUWAY Nationals because the weather is so different in San Diego and we don’t get snow over here.
Di Maria- How are you dealing with this Coronavirus?
I’m dealing with the Coronavirus good as I’m going on runs every other day and working out by either doing stance and motion or ab workouts.
Di Maria – Has it affected your performance as a wrestler?
It has affected my performance as a wrestler because I don’t get any training partners that I usually get to practice regularly.
Di Maria – What will be the first thing you do once this quarantine thing is over?
I will probably hang out with my school friends and all my other wrestling and soccer friends.
Di Maria – What does it mean for you to be an O3T member?
It means a lot, to be honest. I am grateful to Mr. Duke and Le and staff for all the wonderful support they bring to us wrestlers. I hope to make him and Tri-Titans proud of me when I win my first California state title in the future.
