Join Gabriel in Representing Ohio Proudly

Story

As some of you may know, my name is Gabriel Harris, and this is the end of my fourth year wrestling. I didn’t know wrestling as a sport for the first 13 years of my life. I knew of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), but that was my only knowledge of the sport. Until the seventh grade, I was a kid with dreams of being a professional football player, and my football coach, Coach Schneider, encouraged me to wrestle to stay in shape for football. Wrestling began a month later, and it was the most mentally challenging sport I have ever participated in. Wrestling required more sacrifice and dedication than anything I have ever known; I would dread going to practice, cutting weight, and being humiliated because I was new to the sport. Being a pretty athletic kid and yet not understanding the sport, wrestling did not come naturally to me. I had to work so hard! That first year, I was the only kid on the team that didn’t win a medal, and I was embarrassed to admit it. That alone forced a level of determination that I didn’t know I was capable of. The day after that first winter season ended, I became obsessed with improving and being the best wrestler possible; I studied moves on all social media platforms, watched matches meticulously, and learned from seasoned wrestlers throughout the world. I worked out every day, attended multiple wrestling camps, and built an arsenal of techniques. Losing is so hard, but I always come away learning something. It is the most important part of getting better; without it, you’ll never improve. Wrestling has helped build character through my emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. My faith guides me through hardships, adversity, accomplishments, and setbacks. Two weeks ago, I qualified as one of five wrestlers at 16U 165 lbs to represent the state of Ohio at Nationals in Fargo, ND. My goal is to raise $2,500 to cover transportation, food, housing, and other expenses. All generous donations are tax-deductible. I will serve Ohio proudly! Thank you for your support! With humility and determination, Gabriel D. Harris