Charles Williamson '23 Recruiting Profile

I had many life experiences that have shaped me into the player and person I am today.   I first started wrestling at the age of 5.  This is when I fell in love with the sport.  Despite being legally blind in my left eye, I excelled on the mat and worked hard to overcome this obstacle becoming a better wrestler.  With the help of many great coaches, I have learned the techniques,  discipline,  and skills to be a better wrestler.   With the encouragement and support of my mom, I have learned how to set achievable short term and long term goals for myself not just on the mat but in life, off the mat too.  I began my wrestling career in kindergarten with the Parma Warriors Youth Wrestling Program.  I was smaller and unabke to wrestle varsity until my 3rd year with them.  However, my coach, Chris Furman, had me practicing with tge varsity team my 2nd week in.  I was undefeated my first 3 years.  In 7th and 8th grade, I wrestled for Shiloh Middle School in Parma City School District (PCSD).  In 7th grade, I weighed 62 lbs and wrestled in the lowest weight class, 80 lbs.  My record was 27 wins and 4 losses.  I placed 2nd in conferences and 6th in districts.  In 8th grade, I weighes 68 lbs and wrestled 80 and 86 lb weight classes.  My record was 20 wins and 5 losses.  I was a conference champion.  I placed 4th at districts and made it to states.  I took one year off in 9th grade to give my body a break from giving up so much weight.  In 10th and 11th grade I returned to the mat at Valley Forge High School (PCSD).  I was their 106 lb wrestler in 10th grade and their 113lb wrestler in 11th grade, going undefeated my first 11 matches l, breaking a school record.  My short term goal is to become a better athlete tomorrow than I am today, and to continue to overcome my physical obstacles everyday.  My long term goal is to become a successful student and athlete in college.  All of these experiences, obstacles, and goals in my life have shaped me into the athlete and person that I am today and continue to push me and motivate me daily.