Newport Knights senior 126-pound grappler Diego Dwyer captured a sixth place finish at the Class 4A Region II tournament at Ingelmoor High School in Kenmore.
Dwyer, who finished just two wins shy of advancing to the Mat Classic Class 4A wrestling state tournament, registered a 14-5 win against Mount Si’s Connor Holt before suffering losses against Issaquah’s Gunner Starren and Skyline’s Scott Huff.
Dwyer said Newport Knights wrestling head coach Michael Chenoweth is one of his favorite coaches of all time.
“Coach is someone who has my back all the time. I consider him more than just a coach to me, he is a mentor,” Dywer said of Chenoweth. “He is definitely someone who helps me a lot. I look up to him. If I ever have question in the wrestling room, I feel free to ask him.”
Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Dwyer a few questions about his life away from the wrestling mat.
Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Diego Dwyer: “The Lion King.” It’s a classic movie. I used to watch it with my brother when I was a kid. Whenever I watch it now it reminds me of childhood memories. It brings me back in time.
BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?
DD: Chiptole Mexican Grill. It’s nice and easy. Whenever your hungry and you don’t want to wait a long time its good. They have a lot of variety and its always fun to go with friends.
BR: How many text messages do you send per day?
DD: I probably send about 100 per day. Most of them are to my mom. She always checks on me to see if I’m doing well.
BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?
DD: I was born in Chile. In sixth grade I moved to the United States. I didn’t speak any English. Going to school was a struggle but God helped me succeed. Trying to learn the school subjects and the language (English) at the same time was a big challenge. I made it through and everything is easier now.
BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?
DD: The University of Chile men’s soccer team. We watched soccer all of the time as a family when I was growing up.
BR: What is your favorite hobby away from wrestling?
DD: Surfing. The coast in Chile is always nice. I haven’t surfed in the United States yet but it is something I’m looking forward to.
BR: If you could pick one individual to go to dinner with, who would it be?
DD: It would definitely be Jesus Christ. He is someone I look up to.
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
