East County Athlete of the Week: Evan Rowe

The Braden River High wrestling team will travel to the FHSAA Dual State Championships at Osceola High Jan. 23-24, represented by some of Florida's top wrestlers. On the boys side, the Pirates have five wrestlers who rank in the top 10 for their respective weight classes. Senior Evan Rowe leads the group at No. 2 in the state at 165 pounds. As of Jan. 15, he boasts a record of 31-1. Rowe is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start wrestling?

I started out doing jiu-jitsu when I was a kid, and from there, my dad was always into martial arts. So then I went into (mixed martial arts) after jiu-jitsu and (my MMA coaches) told me I should start wrestling here at Braden River. I started going here, picked up on it and just kept going with it.

What's driven you to stick with the sport?

The coolest part of it is that you get to see yourself getting better. If you lose a match, and you see exactly what you did wrong, you can fix that and go into the next match. Especially whenever you go against a kid that beat you before, and you go against him again, and now you beat him. You really know that you did get better.

Is there a special memory that you've never forgotten?

Going to states last year. That was our first time in school history going to the state dual tournament, so that was a big moment for the team.

How would you describe your strengths on the mat to someone who hasn't seen you in action?

I usually hit a lot of shots — anything to the legs. I'm not much of an upper-body wrestler, so I don't hit a lot of throws. I just stay in my stance and set up my shots.

With the dual state championships coming up, what have you been focusing on in practice?

I'm working on moving my opponent more (by) moving my feet. Footwork is a big thing I've been focusing on.

What are your goals individually and as a team with Braden River this season?

A big team goal of ours was going to the state tournament. Individually, a big goal of mine is to place top three at the state tournament this year.

When you're not wrestling, how do you spend your free time?

I hang out with my friends outside of the mat. I like to stay active, so I go to the gym, and I just like to chill.

Is there a quote or piece of advice that you've always carried with you?

A big thing I keep in my head is, "Don't focus on the outcome, focus on the process."

If you could go anywhere in the world for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Hawaii, because I like the beach.

What's your favorite meal?

I like Fresh Kitchen and Poppo's Taqueria.

What's your favorite movie or TV show?

I watch a lot of TV shows. I'm more of a movie guy, though, so a movie that just sticks with me — and I could watch over and over again — is Forrest Gump.

Finish this sentence. Evan Rowe is...

Dedicated.