To those around him, Jared Noriega may seem like the quiet and shy type, one not to go out of his way to speak his mind on things. But if you ask about his love for wrestling or choir, Jared will open up.
“My brother did it [wrestling] when he was in high school and I just look up to him,” said Noriega.
Both winning and losing a match is a part that can shape someone when doing any sport. After losing, Noriega makes an effort to practice more.
“For me, once I lose, I like to put in more work,” says Noriega. “See the progress I’m putting in to see where I really come from.”
His wrestling skills have evolved since his first year wrestling at Norristown. Early in his wrestling career, his record was 7 wins and 25 losses. Now, it has grown to 27 wins and 10 losses.
Throughout the years of wrestling, alongside his skill improvement, his confidence has also shown improvement as well.
“The first match for this season, I had a different mindset than I had way back in middle school or like my first year wrestling here,” said Noriega. “I just had a stronger mindset, I knew what I was doing, and I was comfortable on the mat. So I just had more confidence, I felt good.”
Noriega had planned to continue his wrestling career in college; however, he doesn’t think he will be doing that anymore. He plans to still participate in club wrestling outside of school. Noriega wants to be able to come back to the wrestling program in future years and perhaps help out. Despite not thinking he could make it in college, his interest and love for the sport are apparent. Alongside wrestling, Noriega participates in dance and choir as well.
“I’ve done it since elementary school,” said Noriega. “It’s just been something I stick to, just for fun.”
Noriega is also involved in the Mexican-Cultural dance group, Ballet Folklórico Yaretzi, while also skating in his free time. Despite all of these very different activities, Noriega never had any problems balancing them or his personal life.
“It just kinda fits, just a perfect match to everything pretty much,” said Noriega.
When asked how winning Mr. Norristown would feel to him, Jared Noriega explained that it would give him a sense of accomplishment.
“If I was honored the title of Mr. Norristown, I would be more than happy,” said Noriega. “I would feel like I actually completed my high school journey.”
