Before beginning his wrestling career at Fresno City College, Joe Cisneros was putting together a very impressive resume. During his high school years, Cisneros was a state champion, three time state placer, three time All American, and third in the nation.
“The love for the sport came at a young age for me. My dad was a big wrestling fan,” he said. “I came home one day with a flyer from school and I’ve been wrestling ever since.” He said his father knew a lot about the sport and introduced him to it. “It was the little connection we had. Wrestling ournaments were our thing, just seeing him happy that I was wrestling,” Cisneros said. He said he loved wrestling in high school. “Even though I always had to cut weight all the way up to my junior and senior year and a had a few injuries’ that got in the way, I was still able to accomplished a lot, and I’m very happy with my success,” he said.
A few years ago, Cisnero walked away from the mat to take care of some personal issues. Recently, he returned to wrestling and has enjoyed being part of the FCC wrestling team. “I’ve been out of competition for two years now,” said Cisneros. “It’s kind of hard getting back into my groove, because before coming here the last time I wrestled was at the state tournament in high school. It feels good to be back…. still a little rusty, but now that I’m back. I have to get back into shape and gain all the skills I know I have.”
Joe says unlike other wrestlers, he doesn’t warm up as hard before a match. “I like to save my energy for my match. I meditate, get loose, and relax. I visualize all the possibilities and then I get all pumped up,” he said.
Cisneros also said that along with success come disappointments. “The disappointments that I’ve overcome is what has made me better. I don’t remember the guy’s I beat, but I remember who I lose to… When it’s all over and done with, my hand is raised, and I walk away the winner. I’m ready for who ever is next. I always want to be better than the next guy.”