By Byron Beers

Following a competitive summer, Sand Springs wrestler Griffin Sensintaffar is equipped for a breakout season on the mat.

Sensintaffar, who wrestles at 106-pounds on the high school level and at 100-pounds on the national level, competed in both freestyle and Greco for the first time during the summer. He even has future plans to continue his progress overseas during the spring.

“I made the decision to compete throughout the summer, doing freestyle and Greco for the first time and it made me a strong wrestler,” Sensintaffar said. “Getting mat time with some of the best at Fargo and other tournaments will always make you better.”

The expectations are high for Sensintaffar this season.

“I want to continue to get stronger, go undefeated, win state, become an All-American at Fargo, and work to be a better wrestler every time I am on the mat,” he said. “I look forward to representing my high school varsity team as our 106-pound wrestler, getting to compete at the national level with my club team, and the opportunity to train in France this spring.”

Sensintaffar, who also runs cross country and went unbeaten during the regular season last year for the Sandites, leans heavily on his mentality.

“One [strength] I would say helps me the most is my mentality. I go into a match with confidence in the training I have put in and belief that I am able to do whatever it takes to get the win,” said Sensintaffar, who says his proudest moments are when he’s an underdog and is able to pull off an upset. “It’s always a great feeling,” he said.

Sensintaffar has had a lot of influences when it comes to wrestling.

“As far as a wrestler, I have to say Daton Fix has had a great influence on me. I have grown up watching him throughout his career and seeing his work ethic and character on and off the mat is inspiring to me,” he said. “My coaches – Jasper Lockett, Zoheir El Ouarraqe, Cody Karstetter, Jon Henslee, Kyle Waag, Ty Bowling and TeDon Fleishman have also been an influence to me. Their belief in me, the time they spend helping me train and never giving up on me and my goals doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Sensintaffar has hopes of wrestling on the collegiate level and hopes to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine, like his dad and uncle did. His lifelong dream has been to wrestle at Oklahoma State. Aside from wrestling, he enjoys hunting, fishing and being on the lake during his spare time.

“I wouldn’t be the wrestler I am today without the support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates and community,” he said.