Throughout my high school wrestling career, my coach has been more than just a coach—he has been a father figure, mentor, and steady source of guidance. His belief in me, both on and off the mat, has shaped the person and athlete I am today. Like David G. Sutton, my coach embodies loyalty, toughness, and heart. His influence has instilled in me the values of resilience, leadership, and compassion, and I strive to live up to the example he sets every day. One defining moment came during my sophomore year when I was unexpectedly named team captain. I questioned whether I was ready for the responsibility, but my coach saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized. He told me, “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or strongest; it’s about showing up every day and setting the tone.” His words became my foundation. He challenged me to lead by example, work harder than ever, and earn my teammates’ trust. When I struggled, he reminded me that setbacks are part of the journey and pushed me to keep going. Over time, I grew into the role, and it became one of the most rewarding aspects of my high school career. Off the mat, my coach’s support has been equally profound. During a particularly tough time when I was juggling school, wrestling, and personal struggles, he noticed I wasn’t myself. One day after practice, he pulled me aside and asked, “How are you doing?” His genuine concern allowed me to open up, and his response was exactly what I needed. He listened, shared his own experiences, and reminded me that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. That moment taught me the importance of being there for others. Whether it’s encouraging a younger teammate during a tough drill or reaching out to a friend who seems down, I strive to pay forward the kindness and support I’ve received. Like Dave Sutton, my coach has shown me that toughness and compassion go hand in hand. Now, as a senior and three-year captain, I try to embody the values my coach has instilled in me. I lead my team with the same commitment to hard work, encouragement, and resilience he has always shown. Leadership isn’t just about winning matches—it’s about showing up for my teammates when they need it most. My coach’s influence has shaped who I am, not just as a wrestler but as a person. He has taught me to embrace challenges, lift others up, and approach life with a fighting spirit. These are the qualities that made David G. Sutton one in a million, and I’m proud to carry those ideals forward. My coach’s impact will stay with me long after my final match, and I hope to inspire others the way he has inspired me.

Throughout my wrestling career, I’ve learned that being an underdog isn’t about others doubting your abilities—it’s about proving something to yourself. This lesson came into sharp focus during one of the most defining moments of my life: the PIAA team state championships. My team was competing against a powerhouse program. With the match on the line, I was thrust into the spotlight as the deciding wrestler. The team score was tied, and it all came down to me. While the stakes were high, the journey to that moment had prepared me to embrace the pressure and rise to the occasion. Being considered an underdog wasn’t new to me. I’ve wrestled up weight classes, faced nationally ranked opponents, and been underestimated for my size or style. Still, this particular match felt different. The gym buzzed with intensity, the crowd was roaring, and every set of eyes in the building shifted to my mat. I could see my teammates, coaches, and fans in the corner of my vision, their faces a mixture of anxiety and hope. It was in that moment that I realized I wasn’t just wrestling for myself—I was wrestling for something bigger: my team, my school, and all the work we’d put in together. As the whistle blew, I focused on the fundamentals that had carried me through tough matches before. Wrestling has always been about more than strength or skill for me; it’s about heart, resilience, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. I kept reminding myself of what my coaches had always told me: “You don’t need to be the best—just give your best.” That mantra became my anchor as I faced a technically skilled opponent who was widely expected to beat me. Throughout the match, I could feel the weight of expectations. My opponent started aggressively, scoring early points, but I refused to let that discourage me. Instead, I focused on each moment, refusing to think about the score or the crowd. I adjusted my strategy, defended fiercely, and took advantage of every opportunity to score. As the third period began, I could feel the tide turning. My conditioning, determination, and grit took over as I pushed through exhaustion, finding a second wind that carried me into the final moments. When the referee’s hand signaled my victory, a surge of emotion washed over me. The gym erupted, and I sprinted back to my teammates, who embraced me like we had just won the lottery. My win didn’t just secure a victory for our team; it validated all the hard work, the sacrifices, and the belief we had in one another. Looking back, this experience taught me that embracing the role of the underdog isn’t about accepting a label—it’s about proving that labels don’t define you. Wrestling has always been my passion, and moments like this remind me why I love the sport. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about showing up when it matters most and leaving everything on the mat. Being the underdog in the state championships was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It reminded me that while the odds might not always be in my favor, the effort, heart, and determination I bring to each match can tip the scales. Wrestling taught me how to embrace the spotlight, even when I didn’t feel ready for it, and how to persevere when the outcome seemed uncertain. That day, I wasn’t just fighting for a win—I was fighting for a belief in myself and my team. And in the end, that belief made all the difference.

One of my most memorable experiences as a youth wrestling referee happened when I officiated a 5-year-old’s first-ever match. I remember the nervous excitement in the boy’s eyes as he stepped onto the mat, his oversized headgear slightly crooked, and his "Upper Dublin Youth Wrestling Association" singlet hanging loosely. You could tell he didn’t fully grasp the seriousness of competition, but he was eager to try. As the match began, his movements were very choppy, his technique almost nonexistent, but the determination in his face was unforgettable. When he finally managed a takedown, the joy that spread across his face was contagious. That moment wasn’t just a victory for him—it felt like a win for me, too. I’ve been part of many intense and high-level matches, but few things match the raw enthusiasm and pure joy that kids like him bring to the sport. That’s the kind of memory that stays with you. Refereeing youth wrestling has strengthened my character in ways I never anticipated. In wrestling, things happen quickly, and as a referee, you have to make split-second decisions that impact the match. Those moments have taught me to stay calm under pressure, trust my instincts, and be confident in my calls. Off the mat, those skills translate into making better decisions in my daily life. Wrestling matches also involve managing emotions—both for the kids and their parents. Learning how to deescalate tense situations and handle criticism with grace has helped me develop better communication and leadership skills. You have to be fair, impartial, and patient, which are qualities that translate over into every other aspect of life. Other than just enhancing personal skills, refereeing has deepened my appreciation for the value of sportsmanship and teamwork. Watching kids grow not just in their technique but also in their respect for each other and the rules of the game is rewarding. Being a part of that growth process has made me more mindful of my role in guiding the next generation of athletes. It’s not just about enforcing the rules—it’s about fostering a positive environment where kids can learn and grow through competition. Looking to the future, I plan to continue my role as a referee, but with a deeper focus on mentoring younger referees and helping them navigate the challenges that come with the job. I believe that as youth sports grow, so does the need for dedicated referees who understand the importance of their role, not just in maintaining fairness, but in shaping young athletes’ experiences. I’m also interested in taking on more advanced-level matches, testing myself in more challenging environments, and continuing to refine my skills as both a referee and a mentor. Refereeing has been an incredible journey for me, filled with memories like that 5-year-old’s first match, and I look forward to making many more.