Often family members share a particular hobby or interest, usually a common bond between a father and a son; however, in the Palmer family, wrestling has become a family activity ever since sophomore Melody joined her brother, junior Donny Jr., and her father, Donny Sr., in this competitive sport.

Donny Sr. started wrestling in middle school and continued through college. His passion for the sport led him to begin coaching at the age of 18.

When he was a child, Donny Jr. followed his dad to wrestling practices. By the time he was eight, he was practicing with the California Grappler’s Club at Northview High School.

Melody started at a later age, not until her freshman year at Diamond Bar High School when her dad and brother suggested the sport to her. After trying it out, Melody has enjoyed the sport and pursued it, just recently winning a match.

Wrestling is not a popular sport for girls at DBHS, in fact there are only two girls on the DBHS wrestling team, Melody and freshman Belen Espinosa. The girls have both made it to the CIF Championships this year; Melody went 1-2 and Belen went 0-2. However, other high schools, such as a Northview and West Covina, that have wrestling teams exclusive for girls with around 20 members. Melody would like to see more girls on the DBHS wrestling team, but it’s hard to recruit new team members when the sport is often portrayed in an overly gruesome light.

“Some of my friends are scared to do wrestling because they think it’s too rough of a sport to join,” Melody said.

This year, Donny has placed second at the Nogales Super Champs, fifth at the Brea Olinda Holiday Classic, and seventh at the Carter Classic. Donny was also one of the eight Brahmas this year to be in the 30 Win Club. The Palmer siblings are used to having their dad as a coach since he also coached their soccer and baseball teams during their childhood years. Some benefits they enjoy with their dad as coach is that he can coach them at home, and at practices, they have a better understanding of his directions.

Wrestling gives the Palmer family a chance to spend time together, not just as a family, but as a team.