How do we define a winner? In the college wrestling world, that usually means winning dozens of matches, as well as conference and national championships.
In a refreshing change-of-pace, Steve Yanda of the Washington Post has written a profile of American University wrestler Nick Pitas, who, despite not seeing much action in actual wrestling matches, comes across as a definite winner. Here's a portion of the article that gives a sense of who Pitas is:
At American, Pitas shows up twice a day for wrestling practice from September through March, though he has represented his team infrequently in matches over the course of his collegiate career. Pitas said he endures the varied tolls the sport takes on his mind and body because wrestling has instilled in him a work ethic and toughness he otherwise would not have known he possessed.
"And I'm just not someone who quits," Pitas said. "So it's a personal respect, as well. I have to finish it because I started it..."
If you're not first on the depth chart at your given weight class, you might compete in a handful of matches filling in for the starter during nonconference tournaments. The rest of the season is spent on the bench. At a school such as American -- where tuition is $34,456 per year -- being a member of the wrestling team can be a costly endeavor.
Pitas receives an athletic scholarship that covers a tiny fraction of the cost of attending the Washington, DC-based school: $750 each semester.
Despite not being called onto the mat very often during the season (except for some open tournaments), Pitas comes across as a winner in many ways in this positive portrait, complete with photo album.
Resources
Washington Post: American University wrestler holds steady, despite rarely seeing the mat
American University wrestling bio for Nick Pitas
TheMat.com college wrestling scores for the week of December 14-20
College Wrestling 101: Links to articles answering basic questions about wrestling, including rules, scoring, uniforms, more
Follow College Wrestling Examiner Mark Palmer on Twitter
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