Let’s confront a sad fact for Warrior sports fans: It’s not often that there is a standout athlete at North Atlanta.

Given the relative scarcity of headline-grabbing athletes, when there is one who stands out, heads are bound to turn. That is an understatement when speaking of two-sport superstar Alex Figueroa. Figueroa, a senior, has shone as a linebacker on the field in football and on the mat in wrestling. A formidable athlete in both sports, his talents can be seen more through wrestling as it is an individual sport. It is obvious to both spectators and coaches alike that Figueroa is an exceptionally gifted athlete.

Few are given athletic ability, and those people should cherish that gift as it is rare. However, Figueroa has had to push himself to be the best as he first started wrestling in 9th grade. Out on the football field, one time North Atlanta coach David Lockhart saw that he had the knack for wrestling and told Figueroa he should take the sport up. Ever since then, he has been working relentlessly day in and day out to improve his strength and technique. “He is always an overachiever. Hard work is in his deposit,” said wrestling coach Izaan Cross. “He has a relentless motor and practices on a daily basis. The whole team looks up to him as a leader since he is an established veteran.”

Hark work is what leads to results. Figueroa is the epitome of hard work and his performance shows that. Dominating in the rigorous sport of wrestling is no easy task but he makes it looks like an easy day’s work. He prepares all year long to be the best, since that is what it takes. “I usually have football workouts for most of the offseason,” said Figueroa. “Preparing for a match is different than practice, though. I just focus, clear my mind, and think about nothing but how I’m supposed to wrestle.”

All this preparation and conditioning has helped Figueroa become the strongest wrestler on the team and amassed a 55 and 10 record during the 2016-17 season. He has put in the effort and the dedication to become one of the most distinguished athletes in APS. Figueroa has built a strong foundation for wrestling at North Atlanta and he now wants to wrestle on the collegiate level. His number one choice is the Naval Academy.

Whether in football or wrestling, Figueroa always brought the Warrior attitude to either sport: Work hard or go home.