Baseda concludes winning career
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Rachel Gaylord-Miles
March 13, 2009
Filed under Sports
For senior Peter “Tuy” Baseda, his fifth place finish at the North Carolina 4A wrestling championships in February may be the last time he wrestles competitively.
With no further plans to wrestle in college or later on in life, Baseda concluded his career on a high note. A top seed going into the tournament for his 145-pound weight class, Baseda went 4-2 at the tournament and earned fifth place in the state championship.
Baseda began his wrestling career as a freshman at East Meck after he was introduced to the sport by his older brother, who also wrestled. Though wrestling with his brother brought Baseda into the sport, it was the way he felt after wrestling that made him stick with it.
As for motivation, Baseda claims that it is simple. “Kicking somebody’s butt,” he says simply.
Though Baseda had a difficult time transitioning into the season this year, he still managed to finish the year in good standing, with a 38-10 record and a career record of 137-52.
“It was pretty hard because I had to cut weight. I hated that,” says Baseda.
As a senior, Baseda was often looked up to as a role model by the other wrestlers. Although he is seen as the comedian on the team, he also took the time to guide younger wrestlers, such as freshman Andy Thuan.
“He has taught me new stuff and he always has your back,” says Thuan, who also remembers Baseda encouraging the team to never give up.
As a first time wrestler Thuan looks up to Baseda and because of Baseda’s guidance, Thuan now aspires to reach the state championship.
Assistant wrestling coach Chris Williams has also seen how Baseda has helped guide other wrestlers.
“He mentors and works on techniques with others,” says Williams.
Even though Baseda is seen on the team as the “funny guy,” Williams believes that Baseda guides not through his words, but through his actions.
“Tuy leads by example,” says Williams.
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