The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Dec. 20 are from Kentwood; Dayna Vi (Jr.) wrestling, Brandon Tagle (Jr.) basketball.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Vi: I value the respect and relationships that come with wrestling, especially from your team. When we die together in the practice room it only brings us closer together and worth it when we take our wins
Tagle: I value the bond and relationships with my team because I feel we are all family. There isn’t one person on the team I wouldn’t want to be around.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Vi: If you work hard enough for it, you will get it. It takes time and discipline.
Tagle:It takes dedication and commitment. It takes hard work and it’s not something that is just given to you.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Vi: I turn to prayer and my brothers on my team who make me laugh and encourage me to get back out there
Tagle: Remembering where I came from and how I started basketball. The people I play for, like my family keeps me going.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Vi: Chicken and rice.
Tagle: Chicken and rice with a side of fruit.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Vi: Your team is your family, turn to them for help, someone will always have your back.
Tagle: Everyone can have an off day, don’t let it get a hold of you. I believe the next shot you take, will go in.
From the sidelines:
Vi:Dayna has emerged as a true leader on the Kentwood Girls Wrestling Team. She has a never-quit attitude and pushes herself to extremes every day in practice to prepare herself for competition. This last weekend it paid dividends at Orting’s Takedowns and Tiaras wrestling tournament on Saturday, she pinned a 2024 State placer in the finals to become the 190-pound champion.
Tagle: Brandon has led us to a 3-1 start to the regular season while averaging 17.8 points per game, 6.3 assists, 3.8 steals and 3.3 rebounds.
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