El Dorado’s Isaiah Quintero: A force on the mat and gridiron
PLACENTIA, Calif — Isaiah Quintero, the 18-year-old star from El Dorado High School, is a formidable force on both mat and gridiron. With a dual commitment to both wrestling and football, Isaiah is full of tenacity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Isaiah’s journey in sports began at an early age, with 14 years dedicated to wrestling and 13 years to football. A senior at El Dorado High School, he has become a pivotal player in both sports, contributing significantly to the success of his teams. Isaiah’s accolades include winning the CIF wrestling state title in 2022, securing two NHSCA national titles in 2022 and 2023, and being awarded Offensive Player of the Year for football during his sophomore and junior years. He’s currently ranked 1st in the state for the 120lb division by CalGrappler.com. Isaiah hopes to secure his second CIF State Title in wrestling this year. His season is off to a great start, winning the Don Buchanan Invitational in January.
One of the significant challenges Isaiah faced was a fractured fibula in his right leg during football in August 2023, requiring surgery. His healing journey required mental toughness as well as physical rehabilitation. Isaiah met the challenge and put in the work. He came back towards the end of the regular season and contributed in a big way. In El Dorado’s CIF Championship football game against Mayfair, Isaiah scored 3 touchdowns. Although the team lost by 3 points, Isaiah was thankful to have the opportunity to play with his teammates and give it their all on the field.
In wrestling, the mental fortitude to push beyond limits in matches is a critical advantage that Isaiah harnesses to achieve success. Isaiah draws strength from the advice of his high school football coach, emphasizing the importance of being like a hunter. This counsel encourages him to be proactive, fearless, and assertive in both wrestling and football, embodying the spirit of a relentless competitor going after his opponents. With a commitment to continual improvement, he aims to elevate his wrestling skills to new heights.
“Flow like water” is Isaiah’s guiding motto. Embracing adaptability and constant evolution, he views himself like water, seamlessly navigating challenges and ever-changing circumstances in the world of sports. Isaiah’s aspirations extend beyond personal victories. He aims to be the best version of himself, serving as a role model for the younger generation. Outside the arena, Isaiah finds joy in spending time with friends and basking in the serenity of the beach. He is outgoing and enjoys connecting with people.
Isaiah loves that wrestling is an individual sport and revels in the complete control he has over his performance. Reflecting on his athletic journey, Isaiah admits that in the past, he had a tendency to avoid risks out of fear of failing during matches. He actively works towards overcoming this challenge by embracing new techniques in practice and focusing on scoring points during matches. Isaiah is committed to the University of Purdue. His collegiate journey promises to be an exciting chapter, building on the foundation of skills and resilience he developed at El Dorado High School.
Isaiah Quintero, with his indomitable spirit, is not just an athlete but a symbol of perseverance and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the mats and the football field alike. As he embarks on his collegiate journey, the El Dorado community will undoubtedly continue to cheer for this exceptional athlete and role model. We wish Isaiah all the best in his athletic and academic endeavors.
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