Sarahi Romero-Barajas and Wendy Romero-Barajas are twin sisters, wrestlers, training partners, and natives of Southwest Detroit . “For years, these two have been a cornerstone of our program at Patton Park Recreation Center,” said Fermin Miguel Mendez, head coach and board member. Sarahi and Wendy have grown with the program. “[BTSD] is a place for my daughters to learn to be more self-confident,” said their mother, Rosa Barajas. In Fall 2018, they started attending Detroit’s prestigious Cass Technical High School.
What does BTSD mean to you?
Sarahi: “[It’s] a way to stay fit, be active, learn self-defense, meet new people, and get out of the house and get moving.”
Wendy: “[It’s where I] learn self-defense. It helps lead you to the right path in life.”
What impact has BTSD had on your life thus far?
Sarahi: “It gives me more self-confidence. I’ve been stronger [because of it].”
Wendy: “I have learned to take care of myself… I pay attention more. I am more self-confident. I can go up to a kid sometimes and help them out without worrying about embarrassing myself.”
What is your favorite wrestling move?
Sarahi: “Tie between the hip toss and the cement mixer. You can pin the person if you do [either] right. And you don’t get yelled at for throwing the person!”
Wendy: “Hip toss! It is super easy to learn, fun, and if you can do it right, it is super effective!”
Where do you want to go to college?
Sarahi: “University of Michigan or Harvard.”
Wendy: “Harvard then University of Michigan.”
Think back to when you first started with BTSD. What advice would you have for 9 year old Wendy and Sarahi?
Sarahi: “Be prepared. Be prepared for everything that will happen. For the exercise.”
Wendy: “Interviews as well.”
Sarahi: “Have self-confidence.”
Wendy: “And have fun!”
What are some of the things that you see girls struggle with that are not in the program or that may not have your focus?
Sarahi: “Probably a fighting spirit… A fighting spirit would make them more confident.”
Wendy: “Self-confidence. Girls might think that boys are intimidating in a way. Well, girls can be intimidating too.”
