By Sheila Inoa and Merian Yuleisy Villanueva

The Hilltop Star Athlete of the Month is 17-year-old star wrestler, Breilyn Hurtado.

Breilyn placed third in the 106 lb. class in the Passaic County Tournament. He has been a PHS Indian wrestler for six years beginning his wrestling journey in the seventh grade and continuing to today. He first joined the sport out of curiosity with motivation from his social studies teacher. Although it started off as an impulsive decision, it quickly became his passion. Breilyn’s dedication to the sport has never failed to astound his teammates, coaches or fans.

This sport was a perfect compliment to his competitive nature. Competitiveness has always been in his blood. He has always disliked losing, but when put in this predicament he does not let it change his dedication. Whenever he has lost, he just works harder. When it comes to practice, the team’s two-hour-long practices take place right after school.

Proving his commitment to the team and the sport, Breylin attends practice for two hours, but instead of going home and relaxing, he then goes on a two mile run, only getting home after dark every day.

Wrestling is Breiylin’s biggest love, and is something that he wants to pursue after high school. It is no doubt he will continue to go far in his career in wrestling, as well as in other aspects of his life. Breylin has won against schools like Passaic Valley, Clifton, Passaic Tech, and much more.

Being as skilled as he is, Roman Bravo Young, an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, is one of Breilyn’s main inspirations. Young has taught Breilyn a lot of what he knows now about wrestling. “ Young is an excellent athlete. has motivated me to continue playing this sport; I admire him and aspire to be just as good as he is someday or even better.”

Breilyn’s dedication has been paying off ; he currently has 20 consecutive victories and much more to come. Breilyn won two of these games with only one arm due to an injury.
Breylin’s devotion to his team in his sport is an inspiration to others, and should serve as a model to the rest of us.

“The way I view life is different,” Breylin said. ‘To succeed, you must put in a lot of effort. Before, I mistakenly believed that life was nothing more than video games, but it’s much more than that.”

He suggests that everyone takes the time to get off the couch.

CONGRATULATIONS Breilyn. We wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to see how much further you advance!