Alessandro Fillmore embracing, leading Holland close-knit wrestling family
HOLLAND - All it took was a little nudge from his mother.
Then Alessandro Fillmore was hooked.
Already playing football, the Holland senior's mother encouraged him to give wrestling a shot.
Five years later and Fillmore is one of the senior leaders on a Dutch wrestling team aiming for big things this season.
"My mom got me into it," he said. "I tried it and stuck with it. It has been great. I started in eighth grade and now I have been with some of these guys every day for five years."
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And Fillmore is one of the leaders.
"Alessandro has worked his way as one of the top heavyweights in the area. Alessandro has overcome many obstacles to get where he is today, and that hard work and determination has paid off," Holland coach Nick Lewin said. "It's always exciting to watch his matches and I know his family, friends and community are super proud of the great wrestlers and young man he has become. He has held strong and in the heavyweight position and we are hoping for a great finish to the year for him."
Fillmore won the Adam H. Provencal Invitational at Grand Haven earlier this season and is building toward a strong finish.
"The season has gone well. I can be better, but the team is doing really well. Our latest wins were really big for the team confidence," Fillmore said. "I am working on my technique and holding my temper. My goal is to be a conference champion."
The Dutch have created a strong team culture in the wrestling room, something that has led to a lot of success over the years.
"It is huge," Fillmore said. "When we come together as one is when we wrestler our best. Being close with each other helps us motivate each other. This is my family. That is the biggest thing."
He wants to keep the family succes going.
"It hurts knowing I won't be wrestling with them past this year, but I am ready for what my senior year brings," he said. "I'd like to wrestle in college, not sure where, but that is (the goal)."
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Alessandro Fillmore embracing, leading Holland wrestling family
