Published: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Timeout with … Joel Palabrica, senior, Everett wrestling
In a span of just a few years, wrestler Joel Palabrica morphed from an overwhelmed freshman to a confident state-tournament participant.
How did he do it? The solution was hard work, plain and simple.
After winning just a couple matches during his rough freshman season on the Everett High School wrestling team, Palabrica desperately wanted to improve so he cranked up his training. By attending several wrestling camps and sticking to an intense conditioning plan, Palabrica blossomed.
Following his appearance at the Mat Classic Class 3A state championships last season, Palabrica is aiming high this winter.
“I really want to get back to state,” he said, “and I want to try to make it to the finals or finish top three.”
Currently, the senior is ranked third in the 3A 140-pound weight division, according to WashingtonWrestlingReport.com’s Dec. 5 individual rankings.
Coach’s corner
A Seagulls’ team captain, Palabrica is a quiet leader who inspires teammates with his great work ethic, Everett coach Brien Elliott said. All the losses Palabrica endured during his freshman season “really helped him get tougher and mentally stronger,” Elliott said”
Big day in Buckley
In his team’s first tournament of the season, Palabrica won the 145-pound division on Saturday at the White River Invitational in Buckley. The day before, Palabrica went 1-1 in a double dual meet against Mariner and Snohomish. He pinned Mariner’s Jesse Johnson in the first round of a 145-pound match but lost a 7-4 decision versus Snohomish’s Ammon Morrill in a 152-pound bout. Morrill, a junior, is ranked 4A No. 5 at 140.
No train, no gain
“I like the hard work you have to put into it. It’s more of a challenge for me,” Palabrica said about why he likes wrestling. He has a mat and small gym in his home and does two-a-day workouts during the offseason.
“I used to have a treadmill,” said Palabrica, “but I think I wore it out.”
Some of his unusual outdoor strength exercises include lifting barrels and flipping tires uphill — methods he picked up from his dad, who played football in Hawaii.
Sibling rivalry
Palabrica’s sister, Justine Palabrica, also wrestles for Everett High. She is a junior and a two-time girls state tournament qualifier who placed fifth at 103 pounds in 2010. The athletic siblings have a friendly rivalry that makes both of them better.
“It’s like a mini-competition between me and my sister,” Joel Palabrica said. “It’s fun.”
Thanks, teacher!
Palabrica said his pre-calculus class is very challenging. He’s grateful to have supportive math teacher Kristin Gebert. “She’s always there to pull me aside and help me out,” said Palabrica.
Chips, cheese and so much more
“My favorite meal — always — is nachos,” Palabrica said. “I always have to get it fully loaded: sour cream, guacamole, cheese.” His go-to spot for nachos is Memo’s Mexican Restaurant, located on Evergreen Way in Everett.
He loves to laugh
Out of all the movie genres, Palabrica enjoys watching comedies the most. One of his favorites is “National Security” (2003) starring Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
How did he do it? The solution was hard work, plain and simple.
After winning just a couple matches during his rough freshman season on the Everett High School wrestling team, Palabrica desperately wanted to improve so he cranked up his training. By attending several wrestling camps and sticking to an intense conditioning plan, Palabrica blossomed.
Following his appearance at the Mat Classic Class 3A state championships last season, Palabrica is aiming high this winter.
“I really want to get back to state,” he said, “and I want to try to make it to the finals or finish top three.”
Currently, the senior is ranked third in the 3A 140-pound weight division, according to WashingtonWrestlingReport.com’s Dec. 5 individual rankings.
Coach’s corner
A Seagulls’ team captain, Palabrica is a quiet leader who inspires teammates with his great work ethic, Everett coach Brien Elliott said. All the losses Palabrica endured during his freshman season “really helped him get tougher and mentally stronger,” Elliott said”
Big day in Buckley
In his team’s first tournament of the season, Palabrica won the 145-pound division on Saturday at the White River Invitational in Buckley. The day before, Palabrica went 1-1 in a double dual meet against Mariner and Snohomish. He pinned Mariner’s Jesse Johnson in the first round of a 145-pound match but lost a 7-4 decision versus Snohomish’s Ammon Morrill in a 152-pound bout. Morrill, a junior, is ranked 4A No. 5 at 140.
No train, no gain
“I like the hard work you have to put into it. It’s more of a challenge for me,” Palabrica said about why he likes wrestling. He has a mat and small gym in his home and does two-a-day workouts during the offseason.
“I used to have a treadmill,” said Palabrica, “but I think I wore it out.”
Some of his unusual outdoor strength exercises include lifting barrels and flipping tires uphill — methods he picked up from his dad, who played football in Hawaii.
Sibling rivalry
Palabrica’s sister, Justine Palabrica, also wrestles for Everett High. She is a junior and a two-time girls state tournament qualifier who placed fifth at 103 pounds in 2010. The athletic siblings have a friendly rivalry that makes both of them better.
“It’s like a mini-competition between me and my sister,” Joel Palabrica said. “It’s fun.”
Thanks, teacher!
Palabrica said his pre-calculus class is very challenging. He’s grateful to have supportive math teacher Kristin Gebert. “She’s always there to pull me aside and help me out,” said Palabrica.
Chips, cheese and so much more
“My favorite meal — always — is nachos,” Palabrica said. “I always have to get it fully loaded: sour cream, guacamole, cheese.” His go-to spot for nachos is Memo’s Mexican Restaurant, located on Evergreen Way in Everett.
He loves to laugh
Out of all the movie genres, Palabrica enjoys watching comedies the most. One of his favorites is “National Security” (2003) starring Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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