Zion Clark was born with caudal regression syndrome, a condition that impairs development of the lower half of the body. Given up for adoption as a baby, Clark was bounced around from foster home to foster home. "It was not the ideal situation," the wrestler said. However, Clark says he lives by the motto, "no excuses," which is tattooed on his back.
"The obstacles I face in wrestling prepare me for everyday life," Clark is quoted at an official Kent State website. "Wrestling teaches me patience and persistence."
Clark was introduced to wrestling at age 7, and continued his mat career at Massillon Washington High School in Ohio. As a freshman and sophomore, he had no wins. As a junior, the tide began to turn and he started to win a few matches. By the end of his junior year, he started thinking about college ... and became serious about training. Clark concluded his high school career with a 33-15 record.
Now Clark is a business major at Kent Tuscarawas, and wrestling at 125 pounds for the Golden Eagles.
"Zion is one of the most coachable wrestlers I have ever coached," said his college coach Dave Schlarb. "He has a can-do attitude that never waivers. He is a remarkable team player that is willing to do anything needed to help the team succeed."
Nominated for Short Film Grand Prize at the famed Sundance Film Festival, the documentary film "Zion" has pinned down several awards, including Best Documentary Short at Atlanta Film Festival, Best Short Film at Omaha Film Festival, and the Audience Award -- Special Recognition at Aspen's ShortsFest.
To watch a preview, click here.
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