Independence wrestler Mason Gibbons gave an interview with VYPE.

VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?

My personal goals for the year are to enjoy my senior season, leave everything I have on the mat…and with that comes success and a shot at a state title. I would also like to see my team place top 3 at state. 

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

My favorite athletic memory is traveling to tournaments together as a team lots of bonding and being able to enjoy each other off the mat. 

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

I would have to say Keith Sanders, I have known him for years, but for the last few years he has been my practice partner and has really pushed me and encouraged me day in and day out. 

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

My favorite part of being on this team is the dedication and determination everyone has. We take wrestling extremely serious but also have a good time together. 

VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?

 I am currently working towards graduating with 100 hours of community service, I’m almost there. I have volunteered for local Halloween events, with special needs individuals, and the annual adopt a family for Christmas. 

VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

 I help with our middle school wrestling team during their season. I also help with the Independence wrestling club, I will always support our local wrestling club as they played a big role in me being the wrestler/person I am today. 

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?

This sport has taught me so much about mental toughness and dedication. It takes Mental toughness and dedication to get through many things in life…when things get tough you have to have to be able to take it head on and succeed.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

The best advice I think I have been given is simply BELIEVING in yourself. Put your mind to it, believe you can and you will! 

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

 Rather than one person I would say that Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast has really inspired me. Listening to others journeys motivates me to do better and be better…not just as a wrestler but as a person

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

 I would like to shout out my friends for making me work hard and doing everything to help me get better and succeed. Also my coach’s they push me harder than what I think a I can handle because they know my real limits and know who I am, they make me laugh and put a smile on my face. I can’t forgot about my parents my parents go to ever tournament they would do anything to go to every tournament no matter how far it is to support me because wrestling is what I love. They make sure I keep a good work ethic in practice and school. They are always there for me when things are hard or challenging.