Like the great Simon and Garfunkel song “The Boxer,” Providence freshman Tommy Banas has all the perfect reminders.
His breakout season as a wrestler has been facilitated in large measure by his entry into boxing.
“I started about a year ago,” Banas said. “I train in Minooka a couple of days a week, and I’m able to mix that up with wrestling.
“It has definitely helped me out with my strength, conditioning, speed and footwork and just giving me awareness out there.”
Banas (22-3) has been a knockout wrestling at 126 pounds for the Celtics, enjoying a spectacular opening month of his high school career.
He captured individual tournament championships at Barrington and Joliet Central. He went 4-2 Sunday, finishing fourth at the Al Dvorak Invitational at Harlem in Machesney Park.
“Coming in as a freshman, nobody thinks you’re going to do that well and expect that much of you,” he said. “I just think I am very smart, and I don’t make mistakes out there.
“I don’t do foolish things. My techniques and positives are equal.”
His journey started early at age 4 when a chance meeting with a club coach began his entry into the sport. His personality fit the sport like a glove.
“I have always been very competitive and wanted to do well at whatever I tried,” Banas said. “I was just born with that. What I have done so far has just boosted my confidence and helped keep me motivated.”
His achievements have not gone to his head, however. His older teammates marvel at his poise, toughness and relentless mentality, according to senior 175-pounder Michael O’Connor.
“You understand his success so far just the way he works,” O’Connor said. “He’s always the first kid in the wrestling room and the last one to leave. Tommy puts in the time, and it shows on the mat.”
Senior 157-pounder Geno Papes said Banas is inquisitive and always open to learning.
“Before practice, he asks me things and we go over actions or ideas,” Papes said. “His work ethic is really good. What you notice right away is he really likes the sport — he’s just passionate about it.
“I think that’s why he pushes himself to go so hard.”
Providence coach Donny Reynolds said Banas almost goes too far in his workout regiment.
“Sometimes, I have to tell him to cut back a little bit so his body stays fresh,” he said. “Tommy is a do-everything-right kid. He never skips sets or workouts, and he always gets the extra stuff in.”
As a wrestler, Banas has a high ceiling. Young athletes tend to progress and improve quickly. And he has a natural exuberance.
“He’s a freshman,” Reynolds said. “He’s going to make mistakes, but we can clean those up. The way he prepares and competes, Tommy is going to be able to go up against the top kids in the state.”
Boxing, meanwhile, was a way to leverage even the slightest competitive advantage in his favor. Banas loves the immediacy of the two sports.
“I love wrestling,” he said. “It’s just all glory if you win. There is really nothing like that feeling and how it makes you feel.
The mental acuity, preparation and approach of the two sports naturally intertwine.
“In wrestling, the sport is all mental,” he said. “You just think about winning all the time before every match. Like an hour before I know I’m going to go, I have to get my mind ready.
“I had these losses (Sunday), and I am just going to think about what I did wrong and practice on getting better.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
