T.F. North's LeByron Collins has taken anything that has been thrown his way.
Whether it be a single-leg takedown, a reverse, or being a lone senior on the wrestling team, Collins has adjusted.
"You can't let a lot of things worry you; you have to block it out," Collins said. "That means, when you are wrestling, just go out and go full steam."
Injuries and academic problems have depleted the Meteors wrestling team, which forced Collins to take a leadership role.
"If I am not doing my job, then the freshmen and sophomores won't be as successful," Collins said. "My job is to be a leader on the mat, in matches and in practice. If they see I am working hard, then they will follow."
Collins wrestles at 170 pounds and is excited about Saturday's South Suburban Blue Conference meet at T.F. South.
"I think I will do well and place," Collins said. "I just have to go hard and not worry about how good the guy is I am wrestling against. I have to wrestle my match."
Coach Jon Hernandez said it is hard for Collins because there is really nobody in the wrestling room who can wrestle with him.
"LeByron doesn't let that bother him; he just works hard and pushes himself," Hernandez said. "He is a leader by example. He could complain, but he doesn't. He comes every day and works and tries to get better.
"I feel bad we don't have more experienced wrestlers, but DeAndre (Fox) and his brother (LeBrandon Collins), they went down."
The situation was similar in football, where thin numbers and key injuries were the norm. Collins was a leader on the football team as the Meteors fought past the potential problems and made the Class 6A playoffs.
"We did learn in football about stepping up when you need to," Collins said. "It was tough, but you learn how to become a leader sometimes when it gets tough."
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