Herald-News Athlete of the Week: Joliet Catholic Academy’s Gylon Sims

Joliet Catholic Academy junior wrestler Gylon Sims won the voting for the Herald-News Athlete of the Week for the week of Feb. 6-12. He received 161 out of the 411 total votes cast after winning the sectional title at 113 pounds at the Class 2A Sycamore Sectional.

JHN: How long have you been wrestling?

Sims: I started wrestling when I was five, but my high school coach [Ryan Cumbee] likes to say I didn’t learn how to wrestle until I got to high school. I had a few moves and that was it. Since I have been in high school, I have gotten a lot better.

JHN: What made you choose JCA?

Sims: If I was in a public school now based on where I live, I would be at Joliet West. The plan was for us to move to Lockport for high school and wrestle there. But, Coach Cumbee saw me at eighth-grade state and talked to me and met my dad. It took a lot of convincing, but I liked the goals he had and what he intended for me, so I chose to go to JCA. I wouldn’t change my decision for anything.

JHN: The team concept seems big with JCA wrestling. How has that helped you?

Sims: Coach Cumbee is big on the team concept, and all of the guys buy into it. We had a great dual against Washington in the dual team sectional. That should have been the state title match, but we know we still have to bring our ‘A’ game when we get to state.

JHN: Did having all the wrestlers on the team still practicing help you prepare for individual state?

Sims: Definitely. We were so focused on the team. We don’t want to let our brothers down. I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. All the guys in that room have gone through [heck] with me, and that forms a real tight bond.

JHN: What is your biggest strength on the mat?

Sims: I would say I am better on my feet. I am able to use my speed. Speed kills, no matter what the sport is. I can fake like I am going one way and set a guy up to take him down another way because I can use my quickness.

JHN: What are your goals at the state dual tournament?

Sims: I just want to go out there and score as many points for my team as I can and hopefully help us win the state championship.