German Exchange Student Tiago Periera started his first-ever year of wrestling in the fall of 2025, going into a sport with little knowledge and experience and coming out of the season with three varsity wins.
Before wrestling even came as an option for a sport, Pereira took a start on the field, playing defense for North’s junior varsity soccer team and growing connections and skills along the way.
“When you don’t know anyone, doing a sport is the only way you can make friends, or I feel it’s the easiest way to make friends,” said Pereira
On the field, he caught the eye of Rory Pine, an assistant coach for the boys’ soccer team. Pine believed that Pereira showed drive and determination, and recommended Pereira to the wrestling team’s head coach, David Drews. Not long after his soccer season ended in mid-October, Pereira joined the wrestling team, and according to Drews, Pereira has had an impressive season for a first-year wrestler.
“We try to instill hard work and discipline, and he came with those. So he’s been a step ahead because of how he was raised,” said Drews. “He holds qualities that I look for not only in wrestlers, but that we try to develop in wrestlers to make them successful in life.”
Wrestling practice takes place in the mezzanine from 2:30-5 p.m., with up to two meets per week, some being back to back. These athletes not only have to practice, but they also have to control their diet to maintain an adequate weight for their class when they step onto the mat. They watch this to be able to give the best performance their body will allow.
As of now, the weight class that Pereira wrestles in a 175 pound weight class. So far in the season, Pereira has earned three varsity wins: two at the Reaper Wrestling Classic and one at the Kaneland High School quad meet.
“What Tiago has done so far in the season is impressive. For this kid to come here every day and put in the work and to keep doing it, that tells you something about the boy,” said Drews.
Pereira has learned a lot from his time spent in athletics at North. Being able to go from soccer at the start of the school year to wrestling up till now has allowed him to learn things from the sports that he takes part in
“Wrestling taught me not to quit. It pushes you even more because even if you lose, it makes you want to win more now,” said Pereira.
Tammy Pierson • Feb 1, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Tiago is a great representative for his country. He came in August and jumped into American life with “both feet”. His host family loves having him with them.