Start off good and finish strong, that seems to be the motto for Junior Malik Grant, a member of the Curtis Warriors wrestling team. As one of the standout wrestlers in New York, he continued his spectacular season en route to winning the City Championships and qualifying for State Championships along with some of the best high school wrestlers in New York.” Malik is absolutely a hard worker; always smiling and having a positive attitude,” said Coach Alena.

As a sophomore he was also a city champion, but  wrestling has been a part of Grant’s life way before high school. “Ever since I was little, I’ve always been into wrestling,” said Grant.

Training hard everyday along with working on lots of drills and cardio led to two straight city titles. This season, one of Grant’s main goals was to win the NYC Mayor’s Cup. He fell short, but still managed a third-place finish at 106lbs. However, City Championships is where he would shine the brightest and where he would win his division, defeating Jacob Delgado of Benjamin Cardozo High School and getting a spot at the State Championship. “It felt great to be a champ for the second straight year,” said Grant.

“He had a fantastic year. He played like a champion. Even in losses he competed and rose to the challenge,” said Coach Alena.

Unfortunately he would not finish as great at States. Grant did not get pinned in any of his bouts,however would lose  each  match by points,. Grant definitely believes he can come back even better for his senior year. “All together, I felt this season was a success and just want to keep getting better,” said Grant.

Next year, Grant plans on continuing his prowess in wrestling, and has his eyes set on a certain goal; to win a third straight PSAL City Championship,and with the help of his coach, they’re hoping that he can place at the State Championship.