High School Senior Defeats Challenges and Beats All Odds To Become Successful Wrestler and Model Citizen

Posted on | March 26, 2009 | No Comments

TDR’s March HS Wrestler of the Month for March- Christian Schuler of Arkansas

PHOTO GALLERY:

Des Moines, IA- March 26, 2009- Much like the story of David and Goliath, Christian Schuler took on some giant challenges, emerging the victor. The 18 year old, 145 lb. Bentonville, Arkansas high school senior achieved second place in State Finals during his junior year, with less than three years wrestling experience, and with a series of physical setbacks. Suffering a severe hearing loss and diagnosed with ADHD, his parents, coaches, and teachers credit wrestling for much of the incredible improvement and success Christian has attained.

On the mat, Christian wrestled nearly his entire Junior year on an undiagnosed torn ACL. Finally diagnosed, and only one week before State Finals, doctors allowed him to continue. During the second round of competition, the ACL severed completely, and despite pain doctors described as ” off the charts”, Christian finished the match to win, and went on to the finals where he took second in the state. Christian also finished second in the Diamond Missouri Tournament, with his only loss coming at the hands of a national runner-up.

Soon after, Christian suffered an additional injury during the Mudville Duals in Oklahoma that required arthroscopic surgery. Again, he would not quit. As quickly after surgery as doctors would allow, he wrestled in the Fayettville Classic where based on an Officials call, he was forced to forfeit due to injury and lost his starting slot for the State Finals in his senior year. Despite sitting out the finals, and based on his undeniable drive and determination, college coaches continued to follow Christian’s progression both athletically and academically. Christian’s hard work and sacrifice paid off as he was recruited to go on to college and wrestle for Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Off the mat, although directly related to wrestling, Christian contributed greatly to wrestling becoming a sanctioned high school sport in Arkansas. Christian recalls the times prior to wrestling, and as a football player, when members of the wrestling club were not allowed in the weight room due to wrestling being unsanctioned. Carrying over the incredible strength he built in the weight room as a football player to wrestling, he brought his might to organize and influence as well. He was contacted by Greg Hatcher, one of the key people accredited for the state becoming sanctioned, and was asked to address the Arkansas Activities Association as an ambassador and on behalf of wrestling, He also engaged in extensive fund raising activities to support the drive to officially recognize wrestling in the state.

Christian is a dedicated member of his church, where he serves as an Assistant to the Priest and participates in several church youth groups, including at the national level. Additionally, he volunteers his time to coach a youth wrestling club, where he is dearly loved and valued.

Coach Bill Desler lead Christian’s team, the Bentonville High School Tigers, to their first sanctioned championship this season, as well as the two prior years when the states teams met in unsanctioned tournaments. TakeDown Radio was present and reported from this years first sanctioned State Championship and witnessed first hand the coaching that contributed so greatly to his progress. Christian is really part of a trilogy of success, that being personal, team, and state. It’s what’s called a winning combination.

Another thing that’s certain. Knock Christian Schuler down, he gets up. Repeat the process as many times as you like, the result will come up the same.

TakeDown Radio would like to thank the sponsors of the High School Wrestler of the Month Award, now it it’s seventh month. Without Resilite, W.I.N. Magazine, Brute adidas, Intermat, and Sunflower Wrestling Supply, the award would not be possible, nor would the lives of these wrestlers be as rich as they are today.