Leif Dominguez isn’t your average 12-year-old. He may look the
part, but there is a desire and determination on the inside that is
already setting him apart.
Gilroy – Leif Dominguez isn’t your average 12-year-old.
He may look the part, but there is a desire and determination on the inside that is already setting him apart. Leif, who recently took fourth place at the USA Wrestling Western Regionals in Klamath Falls, Oregon, has hopes of one day earning a college scholarship through his work on the mat.
Rather than simply relying on a diet of Wheaties and milk, which is certainly a healthy start, Leif lifts weights and runs three miles every day – without prodding from his parent or coaches. A recent addition to the Gilroy Hawks wresting club, Leif has only been wrestling for two years.
“He’s come a long way in two years,” said Hawks assistant coach, Greg Varela. “In our state freestyle meet (last year) he went 0-2. He trained hard, worked his butt off and now we can’t kick him out of the gym.”
The two losses didn’t instill a lot of confidence in Leif, who expected to have similar struggles in Oregon. But when he got out there and started competing, he realized he could do much better.
As for what he likes most about wrestling, Leif says, “the hard work and dedication.”
Leif’s mom, Eva, says she is very proud but all credit should go to the little guy with the floor burns.
“He does that all on his own,” eva said. “And he’s an A and B student at South Valley Middle School.”
Varela believes Leif, like many other wrestlers who compete for the Hawks, has what it takes to be a special talent.
“They’re all pretty self motivated,” Varela said. “We’re pushing them, but they get together (to train) on their own.
“There’s no doubt Leif will be successful,” Varela continued. “He’s got a lot of talent. We could see it when he first came, but his work ethic is second to none. After practice, I’ll be cleaning up and I’ll see him running bleachers.”
As the old adage goes, every great journey begins with a single step.
