East County Athlete of the Week: Devlin Loynd

Devlin Loynd is a senior wrestler at Lakewood Ranch High. Loynd, who wrestles at 145 pounds, went 5-0 at the Bruins Round Robin meet held Jan. 22 at Bayshore High. Loynd is 21-15 in 2022-2023. 

When did you start wrestling?

I started in sixth grade. I didn't like it at first, actually. My friend (Diego Torres) was doing it, though, and I didn't want him to be able to beat me, so I kept doing it. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like that it is not all about strength. It is about technique. You have to be careful of how you step and move, where you grab, things like that. Also, there's a lot of team bonding. I have met teammates and coaches and referees that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is just a cool sport. 

What is your best skill?

My dedication. I can push through a lot of things. I feel my body wanting to quit, but I don't. This sport teaches you to stick with things through the pain. If you do, there will be something good at the end. 

What have you been working to improve?

My mentality. I didn't start the year at my best. It was mostly because of my head. I wasn't in the right mood to wrestle and when I lost a match, I would doubt myself. But with my coaches I have learned to work through it and to have a winner's mindset. My season has been getting better. 

What is your favorite memory?

For sure, the trip to an Ohio State camp the team took over the summer. The whole time you are with your teammates and you're having fun, even though you're waking up and going to practice each day. Everyone's laughing the whole time and you're getting great experience. 

What do you and the team need to do as the postseason approaches?

We need to work on our cardio and have confidence. Sometimes I think we're scared to hit the moves we do in practice. We need to fully commit and go for it and I think we can do well. 

What is your favorite food?

I have to go with a nice pepperoni pizza. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I like "Family Guy" a lot. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I want Wolverine's powers, like instant healing. That would be good for wrestling. 

What is the best advice you have received?

A lot of the time, the best thing to do in a tough situation is to take a step back, especially when you're mad. Look at it from a different angle and try again. You're eventually going to succeed if you keep doing that. 

Finish this sentence: "Devlin Loynd is … "

Enthusiastic.