Rick's Rant: Mike Pucillo all that is right with wrestling
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by Richard Immel USA Wrestling
Courage.
This word is often associated with the sport of wrestling.
Merely stepping on the mat, no one but yourself and your opponent, and engaging in one on one combat for public consumption takes something special.
Anyone who has wrestled has gone through the experience of being alone and having to rely on ones own drive to achieve greatness on the mat.
This is something that drew me to wrestling. I thrived on the fact that I controlled my own destiny. My wrestling experiences have helped me learn to believe in myself and my abilities in life now that I no longer compete.
Today, past NCAA Champion Mike Pucillo took control of his destiny by making a decision to reveal something extremely personal to the world, his LGBT preference.
This fact of Pucillo’s life came as a surprise to many, even his old teammates and coaches at Ohio State. But even in surprise the wrestling community has continued its history of supporting their own.
Today, wrestling takes a big step on the heels of a wrestler who has achieved greatness on the mat. One of our champions has taken a leap of faith knowing the wrestling community will be there with him on this journey.
I for one applaud Pucillo on his decision to come out and share something so personal.
Could any of you imagine holding on to something like this for so long, living in fear and doubt of what others would think? I can only hope a weight can be lifted for this man as he continues his life journey.
Pucillo is a pioneer and a great example for all of us. His courage is inspiring and his leadership exemplary. But would you expect anything less from a wrestler?
No doubt there are others out there who live with a similar weight as Pucillo. What has been shown through Pucillo’s actions is that you don’t have to be afraid to be who you are. It is okay to let go of that weight.
Wrestling is a sport for all. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, and yes, it doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation is. Anyone and everyone, no matter who they may be, deserves the opportunity to toe the line and experience the greatness wrestling has to offer.
In wrestling, as in life, there are challenges, there are struggles, there are highs and there are lows. This is what makes it so special. This is what makes Mike Pucillo so special. He translated that fight from the mat to doing the difficult things in life. Extraordinary doesn’t even begin to cover it.
If you take anything away from the Pucillo story let it be just that, sometimes doing the difficult thing is doing the right thing. Be a leader when others are afraid to do so. Be confident in yourself and it will translate to positives in your life.
No matter what life throws our way we are wrestlers, we are a family, and we will overcome the obstacles in our path.
Thank you Mike Pucillo for demonstrating once again the courage we all as wrestlers have inside of us. Know that you are not alone. Know that what you have done today is special. Know your greatness.
For questions and feedback to Rick's Rant tweet @Richard_Immel or email rimmel@usawrestling.org.
This word is often associated with the sport of wrestling.
Merely stepping on the mat, no one but yourself and your opponent, and engaging in one on one combat for public consumption takes something special.
Anyone who has wrestled has gone through the experience of being alone and having to rely on ones own drive to achieve greatness on the mat.
This is something that drew me to wrestling. I thrived on the fact that I controlled my own destiny. My wrestling experiences have helped me learn to believe in myself and my abilities in life now that I no longer compete.
Today, past NCAA Champion Mike Pucillo took control of his destiny by making a decision to reveal something extremely personal to the world, his LGBT preference.
This fact of Pucillo’s life came as a surprise to many, even his old teammates and coaches at Ohio State. But even in surprise the wrestling community has continued its history of supporting their own.
Today, wrestling takes a big step on the heels of a wrestler who has achieved greatness on the mat. One of our champions has taken a leap of faith knowing the wrestling community will be there with him on this journey.
I for one applaud Pucillo on his decision to come out and share something so personal.
Could any of you imagine holding on to something like this for so long, living in fear and doubt of what others would think? I can only hope a weight can be lifted for this man as he continues his life journey.
Pucillo is a pioneer and a great example for all of us. His courage is inspiring and his leadership exemplary. But would you expect anything less from a wrestler?
No doubt there are others out there who live with a similar weight as Pucillo. What has been shown through Pucillo’s actions is that you don’t have to be afraid to be who you are. It is okay to let go of that weight.
Wrestling is a sport for all. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, and yes, it doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation is. Anyone and everyone, no matter who they may be, deserves the opportunity to toe the line and experience the greatness wrestling has to offer.
In wrestling, as in life, there are challenges, there are struggles, there are highs and there are lows. This is what makes it so special. This is what makes Mike Pucillo so special. He translated that fight from the mat to doing the difficult things in life. Extraordinary doesn’t even begin to cover it.
If you take anything away from the Pucillo story let it be just that, sometimes doing the difficult thing is doing the right thing. Be a leader when others are afraid to do so. Be confident in yourself and it will translate to positives in your life.
No matter what life throws our way we are wrestlers, we are a family, and we will overcome the obstacles in our path.
Thank you Mike Pucillo for demonstrating once again the courage we all as wrestlers have inside of us. Know that you are not alone. Know that what you have done today is special. Know your greatness.
For questions and feedback to Rick's Rant tweet @Richard_Immel or email rimmel@usawrestling.org.
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