THE4RINGZ;680251 wrote:It is ironic how sometimes our perspective changes almost instantly when we discover just one small piece of information.

Thank you to this student athlete for providing the rest of us an example how to overcome life's adversities.

Fab1b;680065 wrote:This past weekend I officiated the 1A - 1 Regional (same as Ohio Districts) at Bolles HS in Jacksonville, Fl. I have cried on the mat before, as a competitor but never as an official until this past Saturday. Set the stage; I am the assistant official during this match. Consi semifinal, winner goes to state, loser home. A very tight match ends 4-3, however had thereof been one more second a reversal would have been gained but time expired. The official takes the wrestlers to the center of the mat for the handshake and arm raising. That is when it happened.

As the two wrestlers are removing their ankle bands the defeated wrestler starts to say something to the official. I move in thinking of course it is going to be something bad, but what happened next still chokes me up. This young man who was just defeated, tears streaming down his face says to the official and myself "Mr Official, please, I've worked too hard and spent too much time in the hospital receiving chemo to lose this match"! I am stunned, without thinking I put my arm around this young man and put my head right to his ear and said "Son, you have nothing to be ashamed of as you wrestled your butt off. Unfortunately someone has to lose. However you are winning the bigger battle, life. Walk off this mat with your head held high"! Tears are now in my eyes! His coach thanks myself and the official and we quickly move on to the next match as both the mat official and I are feeling that!

After the tournament I had a chance to sit down with the young man and his father. What a pleasure it was. This young man is an inspiration. His name is Travis Hinsey from Wakulla HS in Florida.

deter1;683646 wrote:Thanks for sharing this story! Travis will surely continue to be an inspiration off the mat as he's already dealt with more emotions than most kids will the rest of their lives. Congratulations Travis and keep fighting! Hey fab was he a senior?