Yesterday at the Lincoln East, Kearney Millard North triangular I had the privilege to witness a tremendous example of sportsmanship and kindness. On the Lincoln East wrestling team we have a young man with Down's syndrome. Even though he is unable to do many of the things that we do in practice he is still very much a part of our team. One thing he has been unable to do until yesterday was to compete in a match. The young man on our team weighs about 180 lbs and if he was to wrestle a wrestler of his own size in an all out match there would be a risk that he might get hurt. This young man has never been able to experience competition in the way that most young men are able to. He has not been able to hear the crowd yelling his name, cheering him on. He has not been able to experience either "the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat." He has not been able to be a part of a team that cares about him and wants him to succeed. Well all of that changed yesterday thanks to a young man from the Kearney wrestling team. The young man from Kearney's name is Brandon Teel. I had asked coach Dennis Miller if he thought he had a wrestler who would wrestle our young man and not pin him for two periods and of course be sure not to hurt our wrestler. Well Coach Miller went farther than I asked and told his wrestler not to pin our wrestler at all. Coach Miller told him nothing about letting our wrestler win. This young man Brandon Teel did a tremendous job he wrestled with our wrestler and allowed him to score moves, but he gave our wrestler just the right resistance so that our wrestler had to work hard for his points. Brandon very skillfully wrestled our wrestler so that he got a feel for a real match. My desire for our wrestler was not to win, just to have the opportunity to compete. Brandon went one step farther by allowing our wrestler to pin him in the third period. It was truly a championship moment in wrestling. Every Kearney and East fan cheered for the two young men who won this match. Thank-you Brandon for being big enough to let another young man experience the great sport of wrestling and for being so humble about it. In my mind Brandon was a true champion and no matter how he finishes his career he will be a champion in the hearts of the East High wrestling family. He is a tribute to his excellent coaches at Kearney high Dennis Miller and Tom McCann and the rest of their staff. Saturday Brandon Teel gave the sport of wrestling a victory.

Great story Marty. Glad you shared it with us. Hopefully many kids will read this story and extend similar compassion in the future.

Thanks for the story Coach.

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RR

Excellent story, and I commend both schools, coaches, fans, and wrestlers for making this happen.

TMF and RR,

Check your e-mail...want to mention this in the next TT&T.

all i can say is that was awesome.

"It's in the bag coach, it's in the bag."

We have a young man with pretty severe cerebal paulsy on our team. I have been truly impressed with the way our wrestling family has embraced his efforts from teammates to opposing fans. We have talked about his goals and frustrations and limitations. Two of his goals were realized on Thursday night when he scored a legit escape and lasted into the second period in the first round of consolations. Great sport we have, huh?

Rick Henry

Outstanding stories to have read. I was actually a part of the meet on Thursday and watched bdstorm's young man perform. Very touching to see men like these in our sport.

If some of you recall, we had a young man 3 years ago in our school system that wrestled with one leg. He was one match away from qualifying for State. Strongest kid I'd ever known, physically and mentally. Probably the biggest heart as well.

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

...I remember a kid from Tri County wrestling a young man from Fort Calhoun - I believe it was for fifth place - who was blind. I know he helps Ross out at the state tournament, and for the life of me I've forgotten his name.

That's what makes this sport unique - there is a place in it for EVERYBODY, regardless of who they are or what their limitations are. Makes you feel good about being a part of this great family...

I have had the pleasure of wrestling against Kearny while in high school. I have great respect for both Tom Mcann and Dennis Miller. Actually before Coach Miller was in Kearney, he was my little league coach at Ogallala. (Coach Miller, sorry if this make you feel old). Both of these guys are class acts, along with the wrestlers they coach. Ex. Brill last year after the finals.

It is truly a great thing the Kearney wrestler did for your wrestler. He will remember this his whole life. This is what sports are all about, building memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.

This actually brought tears to my eyes. I am very sad that I wasn't there to witness this great event.

Now that I have tears running down my face, I will take this home and read it to my son tonight, if we only had more poeple in the world like Mr. Teel!!!!!!!

Brandon Teel, you are my hero!! This is a perfect example of a young man who will get far in life. Even though he got pinned, he still came out on top!

It really doesn't surprise me that Dennis would do that, my hat goes off to Mr. Teel. I believe Mr. OU Sooners has a big sister who also suffers (no I'm not using that word, she enjoys life too much) from DS.
A Very beautiful story!!

This example only helps confirm what I suspected for some time - you will find some of the world's classiest people hang around the wrestling mat - wrestlers, coaches, refs and fans. Wrestling is a tough sport, all wrestlers have to be pretty tough cookies - yet the majority are some of the most considerate and kind folk you will ever meet. This example belongs in the news (TV or newspapers) to help others realize what most of us who follow the sport already know....

Thanks to Brandon to showing us what being mature,compassionate and classy looks like!

WITH THE HOLIDAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, IT IS WONDERFUL TO HEAR OF THIS HAPPENING, MAY GOD BLESS BOTH WRESTLERS AND WE SHOULD ALSO THANK THEIR PARENTS FOR RAISING TWO REMARKABLE YOUNG MEN.I AM ALSO TAKING THIS HOME FOR MY KIDS TO SEE. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING THIS !!!!!!!

Don't worry mom I already read it! & now I think I will go get a Kleenex cuz that was truely touching. I think some of those wrestlers with bad tempers that throw fits every time they lose should take a look at this and maybe they will realize that they are being childish and should take after someone ilke Brandon!

Teel, you are definately one of the most classy people I have ever heard of in the sport of wrestling. That is going to be the biggest victory for you and for the other wrestler. Thanks for bringing happiness to this young kid's life.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

This story made it into the Lincoln Journal Star today, but Coach McCurdy gives a better description of the match in his post above.

http://www.journalstar.com/sports.php?story_id=106855

Coach - You not only old your coaching position with such a high respect from both young and old alike, you also have such a strong respect as a human being. An event such as this can show us all a lot. You have a great group of kids again this year...thanks coach

"Pain is weakness leaving the body"