Dominguez, Rocco CA: I Want to Be the Best
Dialogue with Rocco Dominguez, 6U Wrestler from California (Red Wave WC)
1) Describe how you became interested in wrestling. Just by being there at age 2. My brother Jace Dominguez would be practicing and I would try to do what they were doing.
2) Share a young wrestling experience which taught you a valuable lesson. My dad would say at my very first tournament when I was three, after being pinned in the 1st period, I came off the mat and said: “When is my next match?” More recently, I would have to say last year at SCWAY State, another teaching moment came when I lost in the finals and took 2nd. All my training partners and friends took 1st. Seeing and experiencing that made me focus even more.
3) How have your parents participated in and supported your wrestling? They do everything; they are great. They make sure I am ready from practice, to the tournament itself and all the stuff in between. Not only them, but my grandparents and co-parents (Tommy and Brooke) help out as well by making sure I don’t miss a practice or a private lesson, or even miss a tournament when my parents can't take me.
4) Which coaches have been an important part of your wrestling experience and why? Coach Damani Buckley is who I started with at Red Wave Wrestling; I believe he paved the way by making me as tough and unwilling to quit as I am. He has been my coach for over 3 years now. Along with correcting and guiding me through wrestling he's just an awesome person, too. Coach Cleo Lane is another coach that has helped a lot. He slows down technique and gives me ways to remember different moves and such, keeps me on my toes for sure. Coach Andrew Balch is another coach that I have had for almost a year that brings it all together. He helps a lot with coaching from different scenarios to help me get through different situations. Coach Saul Rodriguez, too, he gave a lot of ways to drill and made it fun, his son Brody was always one heck of a partner. My buddy Toni’s dad Coach Anthony always is helping me with whatever I'm messing up. Coach Sergio Montoya helps me bring it all together. Along with the 6 of them, there are a lot of brothers, sons and older friends that help as well. They are my wrestling family.
5) How have peers and siblings helped shape your wrestling? I have my best friends that I work with day in and day out: Toni, Matteo, Brody, Brock, Joseph, Tuff, Aaron, Jazzy, Gabby, Rylan, Michael, Slate, Q, and probably even a bunch more. A lot of state and national champs in that group. Iron sharpens iron as they say, and its completely true. My brother Jace has always been the best brother, showing me things and even coaching. I also have two sisters that let me practice moves on them.
6) In what ways has wrestling contributed to your success in the classroom and school community? Wrestling has shaped me into a person who wants to be the best. It has showed me that I must work in order for it to happen. Hustle, hard work and a no-quit attitude transfer well to everything, especially school.
7) What makes participation in RMN Events rewarding, enjoyable, and challenging? Always such a big arena, and the start-up right before I get to wrestle is the best. I think the trophies, medals and belts mean so much more because there really aren't easy kids. All my opponents are tough – they give me their best, so I must give them mine.
8) What are your future aspirations in the sport? In life? I want to be a coach and help kids like me. I want to wrestle and play football in college, too.
9) For a young wrestler just beginning, what words of wisdom would you have for him or her? Don’t stop going to practice. It’s okay to mess up trying new moves and to get beat up – sometimes. But not going to practice will be the worst decision. Always sharpen old moves and try new moves. My dad always says to use the tools in your tool belt.
10) How would you describe the sport of wrestling to someone who had never wrestled? It’s the hardest fun you can do. Getting your hand raised after a tough match or even just making it through a tough practice is such an accomplishment of everything put together.
11) If you have aspirations in the sport after you are done competing (i.e., coaching), please detail how and why you plan to give back. I always tell my dad that I want to be a coach, I already try and help others, especially the new kids. My buddy Brody is the same age as me and used to always coach me up on technique. It's fun to coach.
12) What has the sport of wrestling meant to your life? If wrestling is character in the making, how has the sport molded you into the person you are? I just turned 7, but I think it's already helped me in so many ways. From doing chores, helping friends, being a good listener, being able to focus, it just all goes together to shape me into the best Rocco I can be.
A) List of major wrestling accomplishments and awards, especially from RMN events, including travel teams and national / international competition. 2019 California State Finalist, 2x California World Challenge Champ, 2x SCWAY Central Valley Zone Champ, 2019 California Republic Champ, 2019 Western States Champ, RMN’s USA Nationals Champ (Folk & Free), RMN’s 2019 D-Day on the Midway Champ, RMN’s 2019 Cosmic Clash Champ (52#,55#), RMN’s 2019 Monster Challenge Champ (52#,55#), RMN’s 2019 Freak Show Finalist, RMN’s 2019 Smash Nationals Champ (52#,55#), RMN’s 2020 Rumble In Reno Champ (52#,55#).