ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ABATHAR MOUNSHED THE MAN ON A MISSION!

 Intro:    “Athlete Spotlight” Blog has been created as a way to shine light on upcoming, established, and inspiring wrestling athletes. Today we are happy to have Abathar Mounshed. Abathar is currently a senior at James Bowie High School where he is the 4th brother to wrestle for Bowie.  Abathar is a highly motivated athlete who refuses to let any obstacles slow down his grind. Last season he tore his MPFL and partially tore his MCL. He received reconstructive surgery this spring, and spent most of his summer and fall rehabilitating his knee.  Abathar is currently ranked #3 by Wrestling Texas at 170 lbs-6A!  Without a doubt Abathar plans to continue his wrestling career at the next level, he plans to pursue a degree in  Kinesiology. American Wrestler has a lot of admiration for Abathar because of his determination, as a person and an athlete. We know he will achieve whatever he sets his mind to no matter what obstacles present. We are extremely excited to see where life takes him. 

Q. When did you start wrestling?  What about wrestling made you so passionate about the sport?  Are you competing in other sports for Arlington Bowie?

a. My first time in a wrestling room was when I was in second grade and met coach Ervin, the current coach of Arlington Bowie. But, I did not take the sport seriously until I competed my freshman year. The thing about wrestling that made me so passionate about it is the accountability that comes with the sport. If I lost then, I lost ,I blame myself and no one else because no one but me can wrestle for me. I am not in any other sport for Arlington Bowie, just wrestling.

Q. How has Coach Erving helped you & inspired you during your wrestling journey?

a. Coach Ervin is the biggest inspiration and helper when it comes to wrestling, without him as a coach I wouldn’t be at the skill level I am. This wrestling journey to my senior year has been amazing!

Q. Is there anyone else who motivates and inspires you?

a.  My brothers who have wrestled ,been state placers, and finalists, are a major source of inspiration. They inspire me to push forward, I wanna be able to go beyond their achievements. I know I can physically and mentally, as long as I maintain discipline ,nothing can stop me.

Q. What do you love most about wrestling for Volunteers?

a. The thing I love most about wrestling for the Volunteers is that the whole school supports each other. They show a lot of support for wrestlers at the Bowie tournaments. Every student comes out and screams our names from the stands to show us nothing but love.

Q. Who’s your favorite wrestler to watch & why?

a. My favorite wrestler to watch would either be Zahid Valencia or Alex Derringer because they push at a non stop pace, and they are always in your face, I love that style, “gotta get em mad.”

Q. Do you see yourself competing at the college level?

a.  I most definitely see myself competing at the college level. I feel physically and mentally ready and I just can’t wait to take the next step.

Q. COVID has been a burden for everyone, what practices have you adapted to stay safe while during training and going to school?

a. Yes COVID has been a burden, but the thing I learned was that I have to focus on things that matter since going out isn’t a option. Due to that I am allot more focused on wrestling and school. Trying to improve physically and academically is all I have been doing during the lock down, but it’s hard because sometimes the gym is closed due to COVID complications

Q. Currently you’re ranked #3 by Wrestling Texas at 170 lbs-6A, do you feel any added pressure?   What are your goals for the season?

a. Being completely honest, I don’t really focus on rankings, I just wrestle whoever they put in front of me. My focus is on my performance and not on someone else’s ranking.

Q. Who are your go to artists when it comes to getting warmed up?

a. My go to artists while I warm up would have to be Drake, Kodak Black, or J. Cole.

Q. What’s the oddest thing that you’ve thought about during a match?

a. Nothing comes to mind, I’m trying to think three moves ahead so you can say I play chess when other people play checkers.

Q. Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

a. I don’t really have any pre-match superstitions I just know that I need to be properly warmed up and mentally prepared to preform at my best.

Q. What do you enjoy doing during your down time?

a. On my down time I love listening to music, watching tv , and eating. I love trying new foods.

Q. If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

a. If I was stuck on a deserted island, I would take a cross bow, a purified water drinking stick, and a blanket.

Q. What’s your favorite post workout snack?

a. My favorite post workout snack would have to be a granola bar or an orange.