Why do you want me on your team? Maybe it can best be expressed with a quote from Frank Popolizio, “You are going to be very good.” Another quote from Joe Uccelini, “You could go Division 1. You practice and work out like a Division 1 wrestler.”
What makes me different from other wrestlers is the fact that I didn’t start out at 6 years old as a wrestler. I’m the kid who was horrible as a freshman only to fall in love with the sport and make incredible gains in a short time. I was picked up and thrown around on the mat having had a record of 9 and 16. This record did not deter me. Instead, I came back harder and stronger. As a sophomore, my record improved to 37 & 9. I ended up placing 3rd at sectionals and 4th at State Qualifiers.
Then, COVID hit. I wasn't given the opportunity to have a junior year of wrestling. I didn’t stop. I doubled-down. I started training even harder, focused on my grades, finished my Eagle Project, and I was chosen to attend Boys State. I also worked out on a daily basis, even training my friends in the fitness center. I lost 15 pounds, gained more strength, and started doing zoom workouts with Journeyman Wrestling (Coach Frank Popolizio). Then, we were given the go ahead to train at his house and eventually his new place in Malta. In the meantime, I had also signed up with Curby Wrestling in Troy, NY (Coach Joe Uccellini). What a difference! To say “I'm ready to bring it” is an understatement.
Presently, I am a senior and was chosen to be captain of my wrestling team. I'm trying to make a difference in the program while recruiting more wrestlers, driving them to club practices, and encouraging them to push through when it hurts or is hard. I know that wrestling offers many opportunities. It's not just the wins, it's the lessons that it teaches. It's the perseverance, the friends, and the foundation of athleticism that will take them far in life.
My plans are to wrestle in college. I pretty much live and breathe wrestling. It's my life and I'm looking forward to an AWESOME season. It's time!
Thank you.
Reed Douglass
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