Taking It to the Mat — Jake Maddox

Fourteen-year old Aarash is nervous to start his freshman year at Freemont Central High School. Though his family has lived in the United States since he was eight years old, Aarash still feels like an outsider. Then an older friend suggests Aarash join the school's JV wrestling team. Aarash is nervous but tries out anyway and is excited to make the team. But a bully on the mat makes Aarash rethink everything. Can he see his commitment through? Or will taking it to the mat cost more than he's willing to sacrifice?