The athlete of the week for the week Feb. 5-11 is Katalina Bartelt. Bartelt won her weight division in the GMAC wrestling tournament. Bartelt is a junior in the DEH academy and is the first female GMAC wrestling champion from the Coral Gables team. Bartelt also qualified for the state championship.

Bartlett became interested in wrestling along with her younger brother, who has been wrestling since he was four years old. Bartelt took an interest in the sport after she quit gymnastics and decided to try it out. With the growing friendships, constant thrills and downfalls of the sport, Bartelt easily became hooked. There is often a misconception that wrestling is a man’s sport, but Bartelt found this to be false and even though she is one of the only girls, she is treated as an equal on the team.

Bartelt is constantly striving to be better by doubling up on her practices and attending both the Gables practice and her club team practice. Bartelt gets home as late as 10 p.m. everyday, with tournaments every Friday and Saturday as well as practice on Sunday. Bartelt finds herself with little time to spare.

“I manage my time and try to be proactive in school,” Bartelt said.

This is not Bartelt’s first time being athlete of the week, click here to check out her previous success. Make sure to congratulate your fellow Cavalier on all her success and keep an eye out for what she may pin on us next.