Mohammed Shahade, a junior on the Townsend Harris Varsity Wrestling team, who holds a record of 19 wins and 13 losses. Though Mohammed has only wrestled for three years, this year he’s taken on the role of captain. His team reflected on his work this season.
“It’s really been an incredible experience, from knowing nothing about wrestling to becoming a team captain of a wrestling team,” Mohammed said.
Townsend Harris Varsity Wrestling coach Matthew Curiale said he admires the captain Mohammed has become, applauding his growth and ambition for wrestling. Coach Curiale said, “Mohammed leads by example and loves the sport, comes to every practice and match willing to learn new moves and practice as hard as he can. He is mentally strong.”
“He has grown tremendously. Freshman year he didn’t speak much, but he speaks a lot more now than he ever did before. His work ethic and his passion for the sport has definitely grown significantly,” he said.
Junior and wrestler Raghav Kumar calls Mohammed as “raw talent.” Raghav acknowledges Mohammed’s perseverance, “He is going to try his best win or lose and we as a team know he puts all he’s got into wrestling.” Mohammed earns respect both on and off the mat, from his teammates and peers. Teammate Vicky Li said, “He is a team leader, leads by example, goes to practice consistently, quick on his feet, first to shoot, first to score, and the ‘Lebron James’ of wrestling.”
New addition to the wrestling team, Sophomore Hilmi Hassan describes Mohammed as “a young prodigy, you do not want to meet him on that mat. Even practicing against him seems scary enough, who knows what facing him in a match is like.” He commends Mohammed’s guidance, “His leadership skills are outstanding, like one I’ve never seen before. He is passionate, intense, and demonstrative. He really pushes his teammates to be their best selves,” he said.
After putting in great efforts to build an amazing team as a captain, and better himself as a player, Mohammed has said that he will continue to wrestle after high school as a hobby.
