For most students, 3:45 p.m. marks the end of the day—a time to head home and relax. But for Santiago Gutierrez and Anastasia Dutcher, the real work is just beginning. At Craig High School, these two athletes have discovered that “home” isn’t just a building; it’s a wrestling mat. Neither Gutierrez nor Dutcher began their high school careers as seasoned wrestlers.
Instead, both were drawn to the sport by the simple nudge of a friend. Santiago, a junior, was looking for a new hobby when a friend suggested wrestling. “I heard it was a fun activity… I tried out to see how it is, and that’s how I ended up joining,” he recalls. Similarly, Anastasia’s journey began when team captain Amariana Coleman invited her to open mats. What started as casual curiosity for both athletes quickly transformed into a dedicated commitment.
Wrestling is a sport defined by physical grit, but for these two, the intensity is what creates the connection. Dutcher describes a typical practice as a marathon of discipline: The Warmup: 15 minutes of running, cartwheels, and stretching. The Work: Technical drilling and heavy sessions in the weight room. The “Live” Sessions: Putting grueling conditioning to the ultimate test. Gutierrez finds his drive in the high standards of his teammates, specifically noting Leo Getchell as an inspiration during their grueling sessions. Under the guidance of Coaches Tanner, and Harnack, the environment is one of constant growth.
Despite the physical toll, the reward is the community. For Dutcher, the highlight is the team huddle where they break down by shouting one word: “Family.” For Gutierrez the room has become a sanctuary. “I like wrestling because it is a safe space for me and it feels like home,” he said. “I can be myself. “ Every wrestler has a moment where the sweat and exhaustion finally pay off. For both Gutierrez and Dutcher, those moments came in the form of their first career wins.
During a high-stakes meet against Madison East, Gutierrez secured a pin in just his second match. “I was so proud of myself,” he said. It was the validation of his decision to try something new.
Likewise Dutcher secured her first win in an emotional finish. “There is no greater feeling than having the ref raise your hand,” she said “I came off that mat bawling even though I had just won because I was so proud of myself.”As the season continues, Gutierrez and Dutcher serve as powerful reminders to the student body. Their stories prove that stepping out of your comfort zone—and onto the mat—can lead to more than just a hobby. It leads to a realization of belonging and the discovery of a new family.
