Cayman Carpenter '19 Recruiting Profile

    It is amazing how something that defines me has only been present in my life for five years. Wrestling has single handedly taught me how to not only be an athlete, but also how to be a man. I took up the sport in middle school because although I had always been small, I was also tough and liked to “roughhouse” as my parents say. There was actually a sport where being naturally small was a benefit. Fast-forward 5 years later and some blood, sweat, and tears; it is apparent what I have gained. I've started on the varsity team since freshman year. Reached 100 wins my Junior year and on track to have the most wins in my school's history.  I work extremely hard during the season and off season to continually improve.  I'm an honor student and member of the beta club.  I serve my community by participating in Habitat for Humanity projects and many Servant projects through my church.  I'm honored to have great coaches, teammates that are like brothers, and tough competitors becoming good friends.  This sport is so much more than a game to me.

    I have to mention my high school coach Michael Mays. His training, sportsmanship, and patience has truly inspired me to not just be satisfied but to excel academically, at home, and of course, on the mat.  Having a coach like him believing in you and sacrificing his time and energy makes me want to give him my best effort.  I then find myself imagining what he would think if I made a stupid decision over the weekend. How disappointed he would be in me if I made that bad choice. That is definitely when you realize a sport has transformed you.  

Now I am making decisions about my college career.  I expect to get a great education and hope to be fortunate enough to wrestle with a great program.  I will represent myself, my family, my coach and my teammates the best that I can.  The way I have been trained and way I live my life.