Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Zyan Westbrook, Sterling senior wrestler

Name: Zyan Westbrook

School: Sterling

Sport: Boys wrestling

Year: Senior

Why he was selected: He took first place at 132 pounds at Clinton’s Bob Lueders invite on Saturday, Jan. 25 to improve his record to 26-2 this season. He also has individual titles at the Floyd Bee Memorial Holiday Tournament and the Carson DeJarnatt Invitational.

Sterling coach Nolan Baker says Westbrook’s accountability might be his strongest asset.

“After getting to coach him for three years, I am very confident that he will succeed at whatever he puts his efforts towards. As a captain, a competitor, and a student, Zyan is exactly the kind of young man that the Sterling High School wrestling program is trying to produce. His success this season has been a testament to the hard work he has put in month after month after year after year since before I got here at SHS. No matter what happens in the postseason, he has certainly earned this recognition and then some.

“Zyan’s relationship with his father and their combined dedication to the sport of wrestling reminds me a lot of my own upbringing. It’s much easier to climb up this ladder when there’s somebody helping you along the way. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep moving forward. That is how the Westbrooks operate!”

Westbrook is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into wrestling and what or who helped you get into it?

Westbrook: I first got into wrestling when I was in 4th grade. My dad was the one who helped get me into it, he has been one of my coaches and biggest supporters ever since.

What do you like about wrestling? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Westbrook: I love that wrestling is an individual sport and that there is so much accountability involved. Nothing comes for free in the sport of wrestling, you have to earn everything. Wrestling has taught me so much in my time involved, specifically the value of hard work, dedication, camaraderie, and discipline. I feel that one of my biggest strengths is my ability to “embrace the grind” and be able to persevere through tough matches. The biggest focus this year was to have as much fun as possible and enjoy my last season as a Golden Warrior!

What are some of your biggest wins this season? Tournament wins you are most proud of?

Westbrook: Some of my biggest wins this season are over fellow ranked competitors Landon Blanton (Amboy), Cory Zator (Lemont), Tim Sebastian (Geneseo), Dominick Diaz (Moline), Brayden Manning (NCHS), and Hunter Shike (Unity). The Tournament wins I am most proud of are my wins at Floyd Bee, Bob Lueders and Carson DeJarnatt.

How do you feel about this year’s team so far? Anything stand out?

Westbrook: I feel great about this year’s team, everyone is looking great and dialed in as we approach the state series. One thing that stands out to me is our team’s ability to lock in and grit out tough matches.

Any goals for you this season individually?

Westbrook: My goal this season is to become the IHSA 2A 132 pound State Champion!

Does the team have any goals this season? What does it hope to accomplish?

Westbrook: The team’s goal this season is to send as many guys as we can to the IHSA State Tournament.

Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?

Westbrook: My Favorite athlete is [wrestler] Parker Keckeisen from the University of Northern Iowa.

Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?

Westbrook: Outside of wrestling I spend a lot of time playing disc golf and playing various games in the Pokemon franchise.

Do you have a favorite quote or book?

Westbrook: My favorite quote is “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” by Dan Gable. My favorite book is “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai.

Favorite restaurant or meal after a game?

Westbrook: My favorite meal after an event is a #4 and potato soup from Arthur’s.

Favorite TV Show or movie?

Westbrook: My favorite TV show is “Bleach”.

Favorite music artist or genre?

Westbrook: My favorite musical artists are Limp Bizkit and Korn. My favorite genre of music is nu metal.

Any favorite school subjects or teachers?

Westbrook: My favorite teacher is Nicole Schlemmer! She has taught me both my favorite subjects Anatomy & Physiology and AP Biology.

Do you have any plans after high school yet?

Westbrook: After high school I will be attending Quincy University to study Radiologic Science and continue my wrestling career!