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Wednesday, 26 March 2008 |
By Joshua Keeran
Sports Editor
The 2007-08 winter sports season was full of several memorable moments, but one stood out most of all.
Before covering the state wrestling tournament, I caught a story on local television about a high school wrestler who was in the midst of qualifying for a spot in Columbus on the big stage.
There was something different about this particular grappler, however. He wrestled with no arms and legs, but stubs where his four limbs use to be.
The story itself amazed me, but seeing Dustin Carter wrestle in person was a moment I will never forget.
When the tournament began, I had forgot about the story until I found myself watching the JumboTron at the Schottenstein Center and noticed Carter was on the mat competing in an opening match of the 103-pound weight class.
For those unaware of Carter’s amazing story, here is the basics.
At the age of five, Carter contracted a rare blood disease that caused his temperature to rise over 106 degrees and his body to swell all over.
Doctors decided that in order to save Carter’s life, they would have to amputate all of his limps, leaving him with stubs for arms and legs.
Even with a handicap most people wouldn’t wish upon their worst enemy, Carter decided to live his life to the fullest and not use his handicap as a excuse not to chase his dreams. Instead, he had a goal of making it to the state tournament, and after 39 wins during his senior season at Hillsboro High School, Carter found himself living a dream in the state capital.
Carter didn’t disappoint as he won his first-round match while thousands of fans watched in amazement and media members galore hovered around the mat.
Believe it or not, but Carter’s story wasn’t received in a warm manner by everyone.
When the story started to receive state and even national attention, I heard numerous people say the reason Carter made it to state was because of his disability, which they believed gave him an advantage over the other wrestlers.
Yes, Carter is closer to the mat than any other wrestler he comes across, but that simply doesn’t guarantee him a victory. To be a great wrestler, one has to be able to perform on his feet or while down on the mat.
If Carter can overcome his disability and win
40 matches in one season, I think the average wrestler can find a way to win a match against Carter no matter the circumstances.
For 103-pound wrestlers Andrew Romanchik and Cody McGee, that’s exactly what they did.
Carter’s inspiring journey came to an end in day two action at the state tournament as he lost back-to-back matches to Romanchik and McGee .
After losing his final match, Carter received a standing ovation from all of those in attendance.
What followed was an image that will forever be cemented in my head.
As an emotional Carter lay defeated on the mat, Hillsboro varsity wrestling coach Nathan Horne bent over to pick Carter up and slowly the two made their way around the arena floor with Carter cling to Horne’s right side. As the coach and athlete walked past, Carter could be seen crying on the shoulder of his coach.
At that very moment I could have followed the other media hawks who were snapping picture-after-picture of the touching moment as they followed the two to the media room, but I decided to spend that moment soaking in what I had just saw and the inspirational story behind it all.
It was truly a moment I will never forget.
Later that day, the Ohio High School Athletic Association took a break to honor several individuals for their life-long commitment to the sport, and Carter was also recognized for his achievement.
Once Carter’s name was announced, a near-capacity crowd came to its feat almost simultaneously and gave Carter a lengthy standing ovation that left me with goosebumps.
Even as a member of the media, I couldn’t help but clap for an individual that to me defines the human spirit and what life is all about. He was faced with adversity at the age of five and found a way to persevere and make something of his life.
If you ask me, Carter’s not only an inspiration to all individuals suffering from a disability, but also a teacher of sorts to everyone out there who believes some things in life are just too difficult to face and overcome.
Carter has taught us all that if you believe in yourself and want something bad enough, anything is possible when the human spirit is involved.
Next time you hear someone say they can’t do something or you find yourself facing what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle, remember Carter and what he was able to accomplish with virtually no arms and legs.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 March 2008 )
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