Winter Athlete Spotlight: Garrett Totten
If you have been following CBA Wrestling at all this year, you certainly know the name Garrett Totten. A senior in only his second year at the Academy, Totten has led the Colts on the mat this season in a year unlike any other.
Before this historic season in 2021-2022, Totten transferred into CBA as a junior last year with hopes of joining the wrestling team and making an impact with other upperclassmen. Totten did not know what to expect entering this new environment, where it is so hard to find a rhythm in general with the pandemic.
“My head was flooded with many different thoughts and emotions when transferring to Christian Brothers Academy,” Totten said. “It was very nerve-wracking yet exciting for me to come to a school with such a well-known coach and top-level wrestlers.”
Totten was well-aware of the environment and competitiveness created by Coach Ashnault and other wrestlers heading into his first winter season. Knowing he would be put in a position to succeed with his teammates and coaching staff, it was only a matter of time before Totten and the Colts made history.
Last winter season, Totten describes the meet against Howell as the turning point for CBA wrestling and himself in just his first season competing with “CBA” across his chest.
Totten was instrumental in CBA dethroning Howell in a league championship, as CBA ended Howell’s 34-match winning streak and beat them for the first time since 2016.
“Defeating Howell, the powerhouse, is what put this CBA wrestling team on the map,” Totten explains. “I knew we were only getting better from that win.”
Totten finished seventh in the Individual States Tournament that year, setting himself up for an exciting senior year. Gaining momentum from last season, which was the wrestling program’s best year since the 2016 Sebastian Rivera-lead season, Totten and the Colts were ready for the 2021-2022 winter season.
Being named captain of the team, Totten feels a responsibility for the team’s performance day in and day out this winter.
“I look to be a leader of this team this year by always bringing positive energy into the room every day to motivate my teammates and peers to want to push themselves to their limits,” Totten said, as he knows the sky is the limit for his squad.
Totten describes this last season as a “do or die” year for himself and his fellow seniors. This has been the year to leave it all on the mat, and Totten has done just that this year, leading the Colts to Shore Conference and state competition victories.
“Being on this team has prepared me for anyone that steps in front of me on the mat,” Totten said. “After winning the Shore Conference, Sectionals, and Districts, my confidence is higher than ever because I know our coach trains us to beat the best.”
Describing these team accomplishments as a “dream come true,” Totten speaks highly of his team and the work they put in this season. Totten explains that winning these meets and entering into that stardom in the wrestling environment, which is filled with so much competition, was no easy task.
Totten has well over 100 career victories in his high school tenure as a wrestler. He’s been that guy for the Colts on the mat, staying focused and determined to do his job to ensure a victory for his teammates. Needing a pin for six points or just continuing to duel his opponent to not give up the major decision, Totten will execute with precision as he tries to be a role model for the future of the program.
As the season winds down following a District Championship victory, Totten’s tenure at CBA is not done just yet. Looking ahead to Individuals State Tournament in March, Totten is excited to be down in Atlantic City for his last ride with CBA wrestling and his teammates.
“As a two-time state place winner, there is only one job left to complete,” Totten said. “My goal this year is to be on top of that podium in March and win that state title.”
Keep an eye out for Totten as he looks to finish his record-breaking year in style. Closing this chapter in his career as a wrestler, Totten certainly will be remembered throughout The Academy as he cemented himself in program history in a special two years here at CBA.
