Autistic Wrestler Gets Taste of Victory

**cigaretteman** · 01-24-2009, 11:34 AM

Autistic wrestler gets taste of victory | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register

**jumbopackage** · 01-24-2009, 11:38 AM

So they threw the match so the kid could think he won?

**LindenCy** · 01-24-2009, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

So they threw the match so the kid could think he won?

There is kind of that inference. If that is the case it kind of ruins (more like totally ruins) the story.

**SmokinH2O** · 01-24-2009, 06:11 PM

I was there and that's what happened. For what it's worth, I thought it was really neat of everyone to be involved from both sides. The kid from Dowling (class act) played his part and got pinned. The kid from Ankeny got the absolute THRILL of his life and didn't know any different. It was really great for him, something many kids like him will never get to experience. After the match he went throught the with high 5's for all of his team, coaches, and the fans. The neat part was all the kids in the stands loved it and his mother had tears in her eyes. Not you typical night watching wrestling.

**CYKOFAN** · 01-26-2009, 12:35 PM

I read the article in the paper then found out later that I know the Dad of the Dowling wrestler. I wasn't there (wish I had been) but imho it sounds like a wonderful act of kindness on the part of the Dowling wrestler and one of those moments that transcends sports, and will be a lasting memory for everybody involved.

**cyclonepower** · 01-26-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by CYKOFAN

I read the article in the paper then found out later that I know the Dad of the Dowling wrestler. I wasn't there (wish I had been) but imho it sounds like a wonderful act of kindness on the part of the Dowling wrestler and one of those moments that transcends sports, and will be a lasting memory for everybody involved.

I agree 100%

**cyclonedcm** · 01-26-2009, 12:46 PM

I agree 100% too.

**statsaholic** · 01-26-2009, 05:33 PM

Thanks for posting this! Sure there are edge issues here, but at the core is someone who understood what self sacrifice and giving truly are. How refreshing in light of the 100-0 girls basketball trashing thread. Thank you both wrestlers! Apparently the Dowling wrestler/coaches/fans handled the situation very well.

**rahtotheames** · 01-26-2009, 05:50 PM

What a sad society we live in that we have to create lies for under-achieving kids in ATHLETICS. Athletics are a privilege not a right.

**CYKOFAN** · 02-06-2009, 06:35 PM

It's called compassion and sacrifice and I'd call it the best part of society. It's been reported that wrestlers and fans from both teams were excited for the young man, and although the Ankeny wrestler got to experience the thrill of victory for the first and only time in wrestling, I'll bet nobody there felt more joy than the Dowling wrestler.

**Bubbahotep** · 02-06-2009, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by rahtotheames

What a sad society we live in that we have to create lies for under-achieving kids in ATHLETICS. Athletics are a privilege not a right.

You either need a hug or a kick in the jewels.

**Cyclonesrule91** · 02-06-2009, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by rahtotheames

What a sad society we live in that we have to create lies for under-achieving kids in ATHLETICS. Athletics are a privilege not a right.

Obviously you have no kids and are absolutely clueless. What a sad society we live in that we have nothing but win at all cost in athletics. How dare we help out those less fortunate because we had to lose in order to help the guy. Winning, afterall, is EVERYTHING right?

Maybe you missed the sarcasm pirate....If so, then I forgot mine by accident. If not then I feel sorry for you if this is actually your mentality...

**rahtotheames** · 02-06-2009, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Bubbahotep

You either need a hug or a kick in the jewels.

It would be the same if the teachers organized a test so that he would get an A+ regardless of his performance. I don't understand why this behavior should be celebrated. I know if it was my kid, I would want him to experience real success, not have it faked for him.

**Tweedt4Cy** · 02-06-2009, 07:12 PM

Wow this is awesome! I didnt know that he wrestled/and didnt know this happened! His parents r family friends of ours(my mom took care of him when he was young) and although we havent seen or spoken to them in like 7 months or so this is a great story! That kid deserved this win! The guy from dowling probably got the most gratitude out of it! For everyone who is saying or dissing this student for being autistic and doing something he has dreamed of u can just f off!! i have absolutely no respect for ppl like you! That kid from dowling probably just made Justins favorite high school moment!

This is a great story and i believe no matter wether the match was thrown or not its still a great day for an awesome young man!

Maybe some of those who think its stupid and rediculous can go and volunteer to take care and help autistic kids...they are people too, and not only are they ppl, but they are great people! Maybe you will learn to respect them a little bit more, cause they have dreams too!

**Cyclonesrule91** · 02-06-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Tweedt4Cy

Wow this is awesome! I didnt know that he wrestled/and didnt know this happened! His parents r family friends of ours(my mom took care of him when he was young) and although we havent seen or spoken to them in like 7 months or so this is a great story! That kid deserved this win! The guy from dowling probably got the most gratitude out of it! For everyone who is saying or dissing this student for being autistic and doing something he has dreamed of u can just f off!! i have absolutely no respect for ppl like you! That kid from dowling probably just made Justins favorite high school moment!

This is a great story and i believe no matter wether the match was thrown or not its still a great day for an awesome young man!

Maybe some of those who think its stupid and rediculous can go and volunteer to take care and help autistic kids...they are people too, and not only are they ppl, but they are great people! Maybe you will learn to respect them a little bit more, cause they have dreams too!

What he said!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^