Christian Salter '18 Recruiting Profile

I got into wrestling at the age of four, and at the time I had no clue what I was doing. It was just rolling around giggling and having fun at the time and that is all that mattered. Back then I wouldn't have ever dreamed about doing what I am now,  working to be the best in just about every aspect of the sport.

My freshman year, I was named team captain of a team that flew under the radar majority of the season, while taking down some of the top AAA teams in Tennessee. We won the region for the first time ever, sending us to the state duals for the first time in school history. I managed to break a couple single season records that were set at my school, but ultimately missed the prize at the state tournament after going 1-2.

The summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I went to the 28 day J-Rob Intensive Camp at the University of Minnesota, where i improved every aspect of my game. The change was immediate and it led me to a "solid" 10th grade season.

My sophomore season looked like one with a promising finish, I thought I had a shot at a state title if I brought my A-game. I felt this year was going to be a big break through year, I beat most of my opponents pretty handily and cruised into the state tournament. I ended up going 4-2 at state, finishing just seconds away from a state medal. I was heartbroken. I didn't complete what I had set out to do. Many people tried to tell me that I had a great year and that most people would not have made it as far as I did... I don't want to be like anybody else though, I want to be the best. 

Last year, neutral was my stronghold and I felt that I could take down ALMOST anyone in the state... the only problem is almost doesn't win state titles. During the offseason I made sure that nobody was outworking me, as I traveled across Germany with a cultural exchange program and even went to Puerto Rico for the Copa Sparta (Sparta Cup). I felt that nobody was going to stop me this year, and was going to show everyone what I can do.

My Junior year I felt great, I was better than ever, and improved every aspect of my game. When it came down to it, at the state tournament I was battle-tested and ready. I made a splash on my way to the state finals winning by pin, tech, then major, but that wasn't the goal. I still had my eyes on the prize, gold. Unfortunately, I lost my state finals match, which I felt was very winnable and I should have won.

During the offseason I never forgot how it felt to lose on the big stage, I used it to fuel me to bigger and better things. I wrestled in NHSCA Junior Nationals and finished two matches away from All-American, once again short of my goals. Once again pushing me even harder. I was determined to break through. At Disney Duals in June, I went 11-0 and finally the work was starting to pay off. I didn't settle with just that, though. The day after I got back from Orlando I was off to Memphis for Junior Dual training camp. I was feeling good. I wrestling only two greco matches, because I was to wrestle only freestyle, but in my second match I sprained my ankle. I was pretty upset and had arguably the biggest tournament of my career coming up and I didn't know if i would be able to compete. Everyday leading up to leaving for the Pan American Championships, I was trying to see how much I could do on my ankle and if I could wrestle. The day before I left for Buenos Aires, I said I was going to give it a shot. Throughout the entire tournament it was a battle both physically and mentally. I finished in third place in both styles taking home memories I will never forget. 

Now I am getting ready for my senior year and for Super 32, and who knows what is to come?