DominiQuinn "Quinn" Wilcoxen '21 Recruiting Profile

For me, wrestling is an artistic and sturdy escape. When I step onto the mat, the feeling I get, the power yet the steadiness in my heart, is something that can't be explained. At an early age, I found myself in a struggle with my new way of life when my parents divorced and I was too young to understand and didn't want to be vulnerable to share with friends or teachers what I was feeling. I was an only child and was lonely a lot. I knew I loved to play sports, before I even knew I could. But I also had asthma and although I loved to be outside playing, I couldn't run a mile. I couldn't do activities without fearing a fatal asthma attack. My parents were very protective and kept me busy with art and other activities to keep me entertained and focused. But, in sixth grade I played basketball for the park district and Pop Warner football. Then in ninth grade I joined wrestling and found my true calling. I gained some much needed confidence. I learned valuable life skills. I learned endurance. I learned to respect and earned the respect from my peers, teachers and coaches. I gained self worth and even had the courage to ask a girl out. I knew my life was looking up because of wrestling. I found my sense of belonging on the mat and within my Team. I went on to place in State as a Frosh/Soph and again as a Junior. I placed in the Top Ten and it was incredible! Wrestling has enhanced me in more than just my athletic ability though. I became more outgoing and involved in my day to day schoolwork and interactions with my teachers and peers. My grades went from a C average to a B average. My teachers commend me often and praise me saying I have a great future ahead of me. To think, all of this, because I had the courage and confidence to step onto that wrestling mat freshman year. I laced up my Asics, put on my headgear and fought my way through pain, and sadness, and low self esteem to rise up and end up on top. I believe in the quote,  "Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy." (Dan Gable) To me, those few words are true and exact right down to the punctuation. Period. I am winning and excelling in life. I know I can succeed in everything I set my mind and heart to do. As I prepare to move on to college, my dream of being a top notch, competitive wrestler is par for the course on my personal journey to success. Thank you for your time.