Ask most wrestlers, and they'll tell you about long hours practicing technique, endless conditioning drills, or doing more reps in the weight room. Some will mention the instruction of coaches, the support of family, or a particular workout partner that has made all the difference.
Still others will cite their deep religious faith as a key component of their success.
As a worldwide sport, wrestling encompasses athletes from diverse backgrounds, cultures and faiths. Even within the United States, there are a wide range of faith traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and others. Religious faith is a uniquely personal, "quiet" element of many wrestlers' lives ... while, for other wrestlers, expressing their faith openly is a fundamental part of who they are.
Over the years, a number of wrestlers have told InterMat in interviews about their Christian faith. Just this past season, in a March 2009 profile, Penn State senior Jake Strayer said, "I give a lot of credit to God. I owe everything to Him ... I have to trust that everything will work out with Him." This summer, Alex Cisneros, who earlier this year won a California high school state title as a freshman, spoke of his being active in his church, Valley Life Christian Church in Selma, including helping kids study the Bible.
Recently, InterMat interviewed three wrestlers -- high school champ Derek Garcia, Cornell's Justin Kerber, and Greco-Roman star Sam Hazewinkel -- who have openly expressed their Christian faith ... with the specific purpose of learning more about their faith, and how it serves them in wrestling, and in life off the mat.
Champs for Christ
Even the casual wrestling fan can't help but notice a strong linkage between the sport of wrestling and religious faith that goes back thousands of years. For example, in the first book of the Bible (Genesis), there is the story of the young shepherd Jacob wrestling the Angel of the Lord all night.
Mark Ellis (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Take a look at some recent NCAA champs. A number of national collegiate titlewinners display their Christian faith with body art. Gregor Gillespie, 2007 NCAA champ at 141 pounds for Edinboro, has a cross on his bicep. J Jaggers, two-time 141-pound champ for Ohio State in 2008-2009, has tattoos of a cross, wings and the word "blessed." Mark Ellis, 2009 NCAA heavyweight champ, has the words "1 Corinthians 16:13" inked on his deltoid, referring to the Bible verse that reads, "Be on your guard; stand strong in your faith; be a man of courage."
Some champs make their faith known by word and deed. When Michigan State's Franklin Gomez won the 133-pound crown at the 2009 NCAAs, he immediately pointed heavenward ... then, in post-match interviews, the Spartan said, "No matter where I am I'll always go to church and that always keeps my focus. That tells me that God is everywhere. And I've been through really hard times, some really difficult times, and I was able to get up because church as helped me a lot to stay focused."
After his stunning upset win over defending champ Brent Metcalf of Iowa in the 149-pound finals this past March, North Carolina State's Darrion Caldwell said, "I felt that I was going to win, because I envisioned myself as a national champion when I prepared for that match. I believe in my abilities and I thank God to give me the ability to do what I did."
Minutes after becoming Missouri's first-ever heavyweight champ, Mark Ellis told the media, "With where I came from and the people who believed in me and just gave me a chance, it's amazing and God is just so good to me."
Brandon SlayA number of Olympic gold medalists continue to be active proponents of their faith long after winning the ultimate prize in international wrestling competition. Brandon Slay, who won the gold medal in freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after the original 63 kg finals winner, Germany's Alexander Leipold, was disqualified for having banned substances in his system, continues to speak about his Christian faith to audiences ... and at his official Web site, www.BrandonSlay.com, which welcomes visitors with this message on its homepage:
... I want to tell you how special you are as a person. God loves you more than you can know, and He has a purpose for your life, which is to "Know Him and Make Him Known." With God, ALL things are possible. If you come near to Him, He will come near to you. Trust me. It works for today, and forever.
Elsewhere at Slay's Web site, there is this story of his Christian conversion:
For many years, Brandon attempted to accomplish his wrestling dreams without God, and he only got so far, but not far enough. In 1999, Brandon finished 6th in the U.S. Nationals by clinging to his own life and doing things his way. At this point, Brandon realized his life had no purpose. Only God could bless the desires of his heart.
At the end of 1999, he gave his life completely up to Jesus Christ. With his new spiritual strength, he was able to go from 6th in the U.S.A. in 1999 to 1st in the World in 2000. Brandon's motto became "Do your best and let God take care of the rest!" He says, "If we are obedient and doing the natural, God will do the super if it's according to His Will."
After the Olympics, Slay offered wrestling posters that openly displayed his faith. One featured an image of a jubilant Slay in his Olympic singlet, arms raised in victory, with the headline, "The Power and the Glory." Still another showed the Amarillo, Texas native on the mat on one knee, the other knee visible with the words "Psalm 144:1" handwritten on the kneepad, which served as a reminder to him when he prepared to step onto the mat: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle."
More significantly, Slay launched an organization called Greater Gold, which, according to its Web site, "prepares youth to reach their full academic and athletic potential while planting positive seeds of Biblical Truth. Brandon travels across the nation speaking to schools, youth groups, churches, and business organizations. He realizes he can't share his faith in every instance, but Brandon yearns to be a light."
Ben Peterson1. Value of building character as a man
2. Positive family atmosphere
3. Campers leave energized to be positive in wrestling and in life
In addition, over the years, Ben Peterson has written columns for wrestling magazines that share his religious convictions within the framework of his life experiences on and off the mat. Here's one story from the 1972 Munich Olympics, where Ben won the gold medal in freestyle while brother John took silver: (At the 1976 Montreal Games, the roles were reversed; John brought home gold, and Ben, silver.)
... as Dan (Gable) contemplated the medal success of two farm boys from northern Wisconsin, which he had helped immeasurably, he choked back the emotion. I treasure that memory. Dan Gable enjoyed seeing those he helped win. Yes, he enjoyed winning the Olympic Gold himself, but as a teammate with emotion he showed us that he enjoyed others doing the same. As wrestlers we can get so focused on ourselves and our own training that we forget others. Philippians 2:4 says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." In this verse the apostle Paul urges us to be concerned for others. In the next few verses Paul shows how this is a most Christ-like characteristic.
Shelby Wilson, who won a gold medal in freestyle at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, talked about his relationship with God in a 2007 InterMat Rewind profile:
When I lost (at the Oklahoma high school state finals), it really hit me. It meant more to me than anything. It made me think that life was more than wrestling.
I was NOT a religious person up to that point. I went to church but I wasn't really 'there.' I didn't smoke, drink or chase around. But something was missing.
"After a few months of searching, I found that what was missing was a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. In August of 1955 I committed my life to Christ and follow Him to this day.
That commitment of more than 50 years ago laid a strong foundation for the rest of Shelby Wilson's life. While in Colorado in the early 1970s, Wilson and his wife Gretchen established The Stronghold Youth Foundation, a Christian-based service organization that serves people of all faiths in Bloomington, Indiana, their present home.
High school champ Derek Garcia
Derek Garcia is a three-time Washington high school state champ who won the 152-pound freestyle title at the 2009 Junior Nationals in Fargo after spending nearly a half-year at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. He has returned to Sedro-Woolley High (an hour north of Seattle) for his senior year, to quarterback his school's football team, and go for a fourth state wrestling title.
Derek Garcia (Photo/Dave Jedlicka)"Bill Zadick and Brandon Slay are both strong in their faith," adds the 17-year-old two-sport star. "I had the opportunity to talk to them about their faith, and what it means in their lives. It made it a lot easier to be away from my family for five months."
Speaking of family ... that's how Derek Garcia came to his Christian faith: "It's always been there. My parents taught me the Bible, the Commandments. My faith has grown stronger and stronger over the years."
Garcia communicates his Christian faith without saying a word. He has two tattoos: a cross on his shoulder with a lightning bolt, and, on his ankle, another cross, with the words "I Believe" and "1 Chronicles 28:20" which Garcia says was one of his favorite Bible verses as a youngster: " ... be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you ... " (Garcia says his new favorites are Psalms 18 and 20, which he describes as being "prayers for victory" that he reads before a wrestling event, "to get into the right mindset because they give me confidence.") In addition to the body art, the Washington state wrestler likes to wear Christian-themed clothes, including a Team Jesus shirt at tournaments.
"I'm rather shy," admits Garcia. "It's easier for me to speak with actions, rather than words."
"I used to be a mean kid on the mat. Now I'm not so much a hothead."
Derek Garcia (Photo/Dave Jedlicka)"I've heard some people say, 'He must be a wimp because he's a Christian,'" says the Sedro-Woolley wrestler. "Look at the Bible. We're tough."
"If I lose a match, I can really get upset, but, knowing there's a reason, good will come of it."
"Praying truly helps," Garcia says. "Especially if there's an injury. I had a shoulder separation two weeks before Nationals. I prayed hard; He took away my pain, and allowed me the victory."
There's considerable expectation among many in the wrestling community that Derek Garcia will win a fourth state wrestling title. "I've had pressure since sixth grade," says the soon-to-be senior. "I can't say the pressure's not there. It is, but you deal with it, with God's help."
"I try to take things one step at a time. I let God take me, and go with the flow. What happens, happens. It's in God's hands."
Cornell University's Justin Kerber
Justin Kerber is about to start his junior year at Cornell, where he wrestles at 184 pounds. At the Ivy League school, Kerber has compiled a 57-22 record; last season, he was an NCAA qualifier, and a 2009 EIWA (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) runner-up. Back in high school, the native of Emmetsburg, Iowa racked up a 175-9 record; he was a four-time state finalist, winning the title junior and senior years. Kerber was captain of both the football and wrestling teams.
Justin KerberSo, how did a wrestler from Iowa whose father and uncle both wrestled for the Hawkeyes -- and whose mom was a gymnast at the same school -- come to Cornell? "Senior year, I was looking at schools," says Justin Kerber. "I was always interested in a business career, looking for a good academic program."
"I thought about the possibility of going further from home. Cornell was the one Ivy League school that offered both the academics I was seeking, and the possibility of being on a team that would compete for an NCAA title."
"(Cornell) Coach (Rob) Koll's proud he stole a Hawkeye," Kerber chuckles. He quickly adds, "There was no pressure from my family. Mom laughs about racking up the frequent flier miles."
Those family bonds also inform Justin Kerber's faith. "I was fortunate to be raised in a home which promoted Christian living," says the Cornell junior. "My parents taught the basics of the Bible and how to be right with God. They were good to lay out their faith and live it, but let me decide."
"There's a different pattern to your life after you become a Christian."
When asked about those who see wrestling as being in conflict with the basic teachings of Christ, Kerber replies, "Most people where I'm from see no problem with wrestling and Christianity. In the heartland, people have deep faith, but they also see the value of sports, especially football and wrestling."
"My participation in wrestling is a platform to reach people."
"In my mind, there's a difference between being a perfect person, and an improving person," according to Kerber. "I think being a Christian makes you a better person, one who 'messes up' less. It's not an instant thing, but an ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like."
"There are times I've messed up, but look at the Bible -- Peter denied Christ, but went on to greatness. A perfect God is willing to use imperfect people as an instrument."
One way Justin Kerber allowed himself to be used as an instrument was at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Champions Breakfast held during the 2009 NCAA Division I Championships in St. Louis, where he appeared with Cornell teammate (and 2008 NCAA champ) Jordan Leen in a video produced by former Big Red wrestler and head assistant coach Tyler Baier.
Justin Kerber (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Justin Kerber also talks about how his faith serves him in college: "There's a community within Cornell wrestling that started before I got here. When I came here, I immediately connected with Jordan Leen, who has become both a wrestling and a faith mentor. We have a small-group Bible study in the home of a Cornell wrestling alum."
"Being of a faith community counteracts a tendency to live in your own world on campus."
As for those who might question how a person of Christian faith can consider a career in the business world, Kerber responds, "Whatever your talents are, you should pursue them ... Whatever your occupation, you can glorify God."
Oklahoma graduate Sam Hazewinkel
Like Justin Kerber, Sam Hazewinkel was born into a wrestling family ... a family with a dad and an uncle with incredible mat credentials. Sam's father, Dave, and his twin brother, Jim, were wrestlers for the U.S. Greco-Roman team at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
Sam Hazewinkel's wrestling accomplishments are also impressive. Growing up in Oklahoma, Hazewinkel attended Christian schools in the Sooner State up through eighth grade ... but there was no wrestling program in high school. So the family moved to Pensacola, Florida where he was able to build a perfect 140-0 record and win three state titles at Pensacola Christian Academy where his dad was head coach.
Sam Hazewinkel (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)In addition to being born into a wrestling family, Sam Hazewinkel was born into a Christian family. "Living a Christ-like life was considered to be Number One in our house," says the Sooner alum. "Christianity helps guide my life, helps me discover what I need to do whenever there's a challenge."
"People would come up and talk about my dad as a great wrestler," Hazewinkel continues. "Then there were those who would say he changed their life because of his faith. That really made a difference to me. It told me the importance of sharing faith."
From an early age, Sam Hazewinkel saw the significance of professing faith openly. "When I was young, we gave out tracts at wrestling events. People said they became saved from those tracts."
"Most people know by now I'm a Christian. Sometimes people shy away from a conversation because of that. I try not to force it on anyone. However, I'd say about 95% of people are responsive."
Hazewinkel continues, "The Lord has offered me a measure of success, which means opportunities for me to share His message. God is an integral part of my life and career. My being a wrestler allows me to present a side of Christianity not always seen."
Sam Hazewinkel (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)"Wrestling's a great segue to open up conversations. We wrestlers have a chance to show folks a side of Christianity not seen every day, that they can share in the joy of the Lord."
Sam Hazewinkel shared one example of that joy: "One of our freshmen told me he was at my first NCAAs. He said he yelled out my name, and I smiled back and gave him a thumbs up. That seemed to mean a lot to him."
"(In sports), it's the trend to be the badass, to break the rules," says Hazewinkel. "We need more good role-model athletes."
"I'm not out there wrestling for myself. I'm wrestling for the Lord."
"As much as I want to be an Olympic or World champ, the Christian faith aspect of my life is more significant."
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