by James Coulter
A Lake Wales High School student recently placed 4th during the FHSAA State Wrestling Championship.
Husam Mustafa, 16, ranked 4th place within the 165 lbs. division during the consolation finals. He had reached the finals after winning four straight matches, which he was able to compete in, even after coming up short in the first round against the #2 ranked student-athlete in the state, his father, Al Mustafa explained.
Husam was able to compete in the FHSAA State Wrestling Championship after winning the County Championship, District Championship, and placing in the Top 3 in the Regional Championship. Last year, he was one win away from achieving a similar victory, yet he came up short, Al explained.
“I am just proud of him,” his father said. “The work he put in since last season, most kids will not sacrifice to get to the level that he has.”
Husam is a junior at Lake Wales High School. He has been wrestling since sixth grade. Often, while still in middle school, he would practice and compete against high school athletes.
Husam maintains a strict training regimen and diet. He trains at three different wrestling clubs from Tampa to Orlando, and he has a personal trainer who helps him with strength and conditioning.
[My son trains] seven days a week; and when I say seven, I mean seven,” his father said. “He practices at home, and he trains at home. If he is not at work or school, he is training.”
Last year, Husam had reached the state championships and was one win away from achieving the same victory he had this year. However, even after coming up short, he was unperturbed and started training for the next event the very next day, his father said.
Al also has a daughter, Jennah, 16, who is not only a wrestler, but also a state champion. He is proud of both his children for pushing their limits and going the distance while balancing their home and school life.
“I can’t even explain how proud I am of both of them,” Al said. “They are both great students and you see their success on the mantle. Very proud of them as a father.”
As for Husam himself, he is grateful that both his father and his coaches push him to train his hardest. Finally, being able to rank high in the state championship this year more than pays off his hard work and effort.
“It feels great. I did not even make it last year, so all the hard work I have been putting in feels good,” he said. “Next year, I plan on winning state.”
