Bilateral Amputee in Top 25 NCAA Moments: Wrestling Champ Nick Ackerman

Posted on | May 23, 2011 | No Comments

Nick Ackerman stunned Wrestling and the sports world by winning a national wrestling title as an amputee. Now, years later, he devotes his life to helping others walk again.

The 2001 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship was determined in the last seven seconds. After dominating the first two periods of the match, leading nine to two, Nick was getting tired. Knowing it was time to “take his shot,” the 174-lb. wrestler grabbed his opponent’s leg and held on, bringing him down and claiming the title by a 13-11 score. The packed audience rose to their feet and applauded for over two minutes as Ackerman lay on the mat and savored the moment. Ackerman, also voted the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler, finished his season with 38 wins and only four losses.

He doesn’t want to be called Mr. Inspiration. Nick will do just fine. He wrestled and won a championship title at 174 for Simpson College. For those that say Anthony Robles of Arizona State had an advantage take a listen to a guy who just flat out knew how to compete, Nick Ackerman

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
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