Independence wrestler Keith Sanders told VYPE “I believe my sport is one of the toughest sports that anyone can do. Some things I’ve learned from it is how to have a balanced nutritional diet, strong work ethic, determination, and the one on one conflicts against an opponent teach me physical discipline. I know that most things that life has in store for me in the future will not be as challenging as some of the battles this sport has given me”.

“A bonus about being on the Independence wrestling team is that we are pretty good at what we do, however, the best part of being on the team is coming from a small town. The team has a rich history; much of the team has had relatives wrestle in the past for Independence. Growing up together our entire lives destined for us to be close, and the camaraderie between the team is very important for team development and reaching our goals” said Sanders.

Recently, Sanders has been aiming to “stay towards the top of my class pertaining to academics, make it as far as I can with wrestling, hopefully along the lines of making it to the state finals, and having fun throughout the long journey”.

Sanders explained that “On top of being a 3 sport athlete of cross country, wrestling, and tennis, I am highly involved in my Independence Student Council. I chose to be apart of STUCO because it is the best way for me to become involved in my school. I am dedicated to making changes to my community for the better; the representation of what people see of kids my age as well as the majority of my time spent is at my high school”.

He also shared “I could do none of this work both inside and outside of wrestling without my parents. Throughout the years they have provided all the necessary measures to become a successful wrestler and a successful person. They are with me during my lowest and my highest moments. They work extremely hard at setting a good example, and I aspire to portray a lot of their characteristics in the future. I would also wish to give a thank you to my coaches for pushing me to be the best wrestler that I can be. Their guidance has made a lasting impact on me, and I wish to soak up the little time I have left with them as my coaches”.