Independent Lens Season 20 Episode 19 Wrestle

In the season 20 episode 19 of Independent Lens, titled "Wrestle," we are taken on a journey into the lives of four high school students as they navigate their way through their senior year while participating in the school's wrestling team.

In the town of Huntsville, Alabama, wrestling is not just a sport; it's a way of life. The wrestling coach at J.O. Johnson High School, Chris Scribner, has dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring young boys to become men through the rigor and discipline of the sport. He believes that wrestling can teach these young men important life skills such as perseverance, responsibility, and leadership that will carry them through their futures.

The four young men we meet are Jaquan, Teague, Jamario, and Jailen, who are all seniors hoping to make the most out of their last year of high school and achieve their dreams of a wrestling scholarship. Each of them comes from a unique background and faces their own set of challenges, both on and off the mat.

Jaquan is the team captain, an excellent wrestler, and a natural leader. He is determined to set a good example for his teammates and maintain his focus on winning. However, his home life is difficult, and he struggles to stay focused on his studies, much to the disappointment of his mother.

Teague is a talented wrestler, but life outside the wrestling mats has been tough. He lives with his grandparents, who are both struggling with health issues, and he feels the responsibility to provide for them. His focus and dedication to his family sometimes get in the way of his wrestling practice.

Jamario has faced significant struggles throughout his life, with a family that has a history of addiction and substance abuse. Despite this, he has found wrestling to be a positive outlet for him and is determined to make his family proud by succeeding on the mats.

Jailen, the youngest of the four, is quiet but determined. He is a talented athlete, but his shyness, lack of confidence, and his weight make him suceptible to bullying. He finds strength in wrestling and is determined to prove to himself and his doubters that he has what it takes to succeed.

Throughout the season, we see these young men grow and develop as both athletes and individuals as they navigate the ups and downs of high school life. They must balance their academics, their personal lives, and their passion for wrestling, all while trying to impress college recruiters and earn scholarships. At the same time, they face the harsh realities of the world outside of Huntsville, a world that may not be so forgiving.

As the season progresses, we are left wondering if these young men will be able to overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams. Will Jaquan be able to remain focused and earn that wrestling scholarship that could be his ticket out of his difficult home life? Will Teague be able to balance his responsibilities to his family while still achieving his wrestling goals? Will Jamario be able to rise above his past and become the leader his coach knows he can be? And will Jailen be able to find the confidence to succeed?

In the end, "Wrestle" is not just a story about wrestling; it's a story about the resilience of youth and the struggles of growing up. It shows us the power of community and mentorship and speaks to the importance of teaching our young people important life skills through the power of sports.