- 2018 Highlights
Personal Statement
John Worthing
Tioga Central High School
Class of 2019
Wrestling has prepared me to deal with situations in my life when I’ve had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It has prepared me to stand directly across from my competitor, shake hands and accept victory and defeat with grace and dignity. Who knew that my toughest competitor would not be another athlete but an illness within my own body. My years of wrestling helped me deal with the lowest point of my wrestling career when two days before the NYS Wrestling Tournament I was diagnosed with mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen. Two days before I was set to show off all the blood, sweat and tears I shed over the past few months in preparing to attain my goal of being a NYS Champion. Going in as the #1 seed and having to forfeit my spot; handing the title to another wrestler without the chance to fight for it was devasting. I was angry, heartbroken and defeated. I’ve placed at the State Tournament the past two years one of my goals of being a four-time state place finisher was suddenly out of my reach; my dream of being a NYS Champion was gone with one sentece from a doctor. Battling through this illness has taught me that to never give up, to continue fighting until the whistle blows, and know that nothing is ever guaranteed or given to you just because you want it. I have a new sense of appreciation for this sport I love, for the work that goes into continuously improving and for the opportunities that I have been given and for the work I need to continue doing to achieve my goals.
I became interested in wrestling in second grade when I would go with my cousins to watch the High School matches. After watching a few matches, I was hooked and enrolled in our youth program. Even at an early age, I set goals for myself in wrestling which were partially achieved. Wrestling has taught me that even without achieving your goals does not mean you are a failure. You can be successful without getting the gold medals, trophies or recognition for your efforts. Wrestling has taught me to keep pushing myself even when I don’t think there is much left in me to push and given me the drive to be successful, the character to win and lose with pride and the has given me the ability to take these lessons into my day to day life. I try to be a positive and encouraging role model for my teammates, both in wrestling and football, and to the younger athletes and kids in our community.
I participate in YES Lead, a drug/alcohol awareness program sponsored by NYS Senator Ashkar that has high school students educate elementary/middle school students on the hazards of drugs and alcohol use. I also volunteer in our Booster Club concession stand and spend time in our youth wrestling room helping coach and volunteer during our youth wrestling tournaments.
College wrestling has always been a dream of mine and I will strive to be the best and am willing to put the work in to be the best.
