Wrestling at 120 pounds, Strawberry Crest’s Elijah McColister placed second overall at the Hillsborough County Championships. McColister, a senior captain, says that he wants nothing more than to make a run at states with his last chance as a high schooler.
You’ve got to be feeling pretty good about the county championships, huh?
Yeah. I wish I could have taken first, but I’ve definitely come a long way from taking seventh last year. Going all the way up to second, it’s a pretty big success for me.
What was the difference this year, the thing that helped you make that jump?
Definitely my intensity. Going as hard as I can in practice to build myself up for the people I have to wrestle. My biggest competition, like Lennard and Brandon — I beat them because of my endurance and the way I practiced.
What did you start doing differently to build your endurance?
Last year, I didn’t wrestle as much. This year, I began to wrestle a lot with Cullen Telfer. We became daily practice partners, and I feel like he had a little bit of an influence on how I wrestle. I began to mimic his movements. He’s the biggest competition in the gym, other than coach (C.J. Gittens).
I take it you’re feeling pretty good about your season thus far, especially with your improvement at counties?
Yeah. I’m hoping that I can win districts against Lakeland — Gage Hollingsworth is going to be my biggest competition, probably — and, hopefully go to states this year and place.
How did you first get into wrestling?
My brother was actually a wrestler here. He started when he was a sophomore. I used to play the normal sports, and most of my life was baseball, up until high school. My brother brought me in when I was in seventh grade. I didn’t really like it at first … When I was a freshman in high school, and he was a senior, I came out. As time went on, I began to realize it’s a really challenging sport. That’s what I was looking for — a challenge.
What changed your mind and made the sport click for you?
At the end of my sophomore year, I wasn’t able to wrestle in districts because I couldn’t make weight. Knowing I had a chance to go to states, it really affected me. I knew I needed to put a lot more work in. I still wasn’t that into it last year, but I felt as though I had a job to do for my team. I made it to regionals last year … I realized I’m going to be a senior this year, and it’s going to be my last shot to win. That really hit hard for me.
How do you like your odds?
I’ve got some competition but I think that, with the backing of my team and my family, I can achieve what I’ve wanted to do since I was a freshman.
How are you doing in the classroom?
Pretty good. I’m taking four AP classes and a regular JROTC class. I have a 5.2 weighted, 3.0 unweighted GPA.
What’s your favorite subject?
I’d say history. Ever since I was in middle school, I always loved to learn about the battles. My favorite subject was AP U.S. History, which I took last year. It was the funnest class I’ve ever taken in high school.
What’s your favorite historical period?
Probably post-World War II America, up until Vietnam. That’s when America was greatest, and there was very little conflict. America was doing great, helping rebuild the world and stuff.
Any college plans?
I’m applying for the NROTC scholarship at USF.
What are you planning to major in?
I’m looking to do criminology. After I join the military, I’m probably going to come out and do law enforcement, or something like that. I’m looking at the Navy and the Marines. I have two brothers in the Navy, so I feel obligated — since they serve our country, so should I.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
Jordan Burroughs. He’s won so many Olympic gold medals. It’s pretty crazy to see this guy that’s only in his mid-thirties, yet he’s been on top for so long. I just want to know his secret — how he does it.
What’s your proudest moment on the mat?
This year, at the Cougar Invitational, I was beaten by a Lennard kid who I had beaten twice already. It was pretty shocking to me, him catching me on my back. I felt so much anger, like, “I’m not getting kicked out of this tournament.” I did my best, I beat all the guys I had get through, came back to the third/fourth place match, and there he was. It was my redemption match, and I beat him. That was probably the best feeling ever. It’s not all about winning. If you lose, you bounce back, and that’s how you show strength. My brother told me that.