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![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
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Did you know: Davis Howard (11) becomes fourth wrestler to make league finals in Harker history
Davis Howard (11) stays alert as he attempts to find a way to attack the opponent. Davis placed 5th in his weight class at the Jim Root tournament at Prospect.
February 24, 2016
On Feb. 13, the day of the league tournament, Davis Howard (11) became the fourth wrestler to make the league finals in Harker history entering in second place.
After making history and getting this far in league, he described the importance of his techniques and teammates.
While waiting between matches at tournaments, Davis enjoys conversing with his team about wrestling and the matchups for the upcoming competition. He describes this time as one of the best moments he has with his teammates.
“Dolan’s first win of the season [was one of the best moments I’ve had with my team],” said. “We were all sitting on the sideline, cheering him on. Once he finally won, we all stood up and screamed.
“I started wrestling in sixth grade because I didn’t like basketball, and I couldn’t do basketball, so I looked for other sports at Harker, and I saw there was wrestling,” he said.
Davis takes wrestling seriously and made sure that his team does so as well. Team captain Anthony Contreras (10) described Davis as a father who looks after the team.
“He makes sure that we’re at practice on time,” he said. “He makes sure that we do everything correctly and that we don’t fool around.”
For Davis, the mental aspect of wrestling was the most challenging task to overcome.
“I know it’s bad, but I always doubt myself before my matches,” he said. “I always think of the worst possible outcome.”
In spite of this, Davis has continued to improve and he hopes to expand on his ability to attack the opponent.
“In wrestling I’d like to improve on my standing,” he said. “In wrestling there are three positions: top, bottom, standing, and I think I need to work on my offense.”
After competing in several dual meets and tournaments, Davis participated in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League for wrestling.
During the offseason, Davis plans to keep wrestling in order to improve his mental toughness and modify his technique.
“I fine-tune whatever I learn in season offseason,” he said. “I hope that will help me become more confident in what I do.”
