On the Mat: Q & A with John Paul Groves


by Peyton Faller '27

Photo courtesy of Brienna Richelle Photography

John Paul Groves, a junior on the Varsity Wrestling team, has taken the time to give us an overview of the hard work that has been put into the very successful 2024 season.


Q: Why do you enjoy wrestling?


A: It's a very good exercise and I enjoy winning both individually and with the team. I love bonding with the guys in the room and have fun being there every day.


Q: What strategies do you and your teammates use to be more prepared for matches?


A: We identify the specialties of the opponents to see what their best moves are and then practice ways to counter them.


Q: What is the reason the team has been successful this season?


A: Ryan Green, who used to coach for Fairfield, came to coach at Delone and brought his son Gavin, who is nationally ranked. We got several new wrestlers this year; half of our team is new. Coach Green came in and taught us several techniques and pushed us to be as great as possible. Three of our freshmen are nationally ranked and help every single one of us to push each other to our limits and be the best we possibly can. 


Q: How is the team chemistry?


A: The team always helps each other do their best no matter what it may be. Our team chemistry is great and everyone gets along well together; one of the reasons people enjoy coming to practice is because of this. 


Q: How is the team this year’s team different from last year’s team?


A: We lost two good senior wrestlers and have gained seven freshmen, three sophomores, and one senior on the team and have a full lineup for the first time in the past three years. With Coach Green and the new wrestlers, we have been practicing hard and doing our all to win every team and individual match possible.


Thank you, John Paul Groves, for allowing us to learn about your sport.  Congratulations on all of your accomplishments this season!

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