Area schools have kicked off their winter sports season over the past few weeks and we are excited to announce our first State Farm and C & S Graphics athlete of the week, from Butler, senior, Preston Mallatt. Preston wrestles at the 138 lb weight class for the Butler Varsity wrestling team and was nominated by Head coach Zack Wicks. Coach Wicks stated Preston dominated at the Ray Stockdale Invitation bringing home first place going 3-0 with 2 technical falls and one pin. He stated “Preston is a great leader on the team and excels in his role as a captain, always helping others on the team when needed and pushing his teammates to get better each day.” We asked Preston what motivates him during a match and he stated “mainly I don’t want to lose. You have worked hard and prepped and prepared so much you don’t want to come away with a loss. You have to want it more than the other person.” We asked what he feels like it takes to become a state champion in wrestling and he stated “you have to be able to handle your emotions well if you lose, and you have to mentally prepare for the match before you go out there. It takes a lot of mental toughness.” We asked him who is someone who influenced him as a wrestler and he stated “my sister, Makayla, she faced a lot of challenges when she wrestled and she still showed up, wrestled, and competed even when she didn’t have to.” Preston said he started wrestling when he was a 7th grader. Damian Alkire kind of encouraged him to try it, and he liked the idea of an individual sport, where it’s all on you, win or lose. He has set a goal this year of returning to the state wrestling tournament and hopefully competing and winning state. It was a pleasure speaking with Preston and we wish him the best of luck this season!
Pictured below left to right: a copy of Preston’s custom graphic made by C & S Graphics (below) and on the right Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Preston Mallatt, son of Michael and Michelle Mallatt; Cody Morris, C & S Graphics
