Jared Platt wrestled and coached at Blair Academy in New Jersey (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Platt had been dealing with extreme, crippling pain in his back and legs. He was admitted to a Morristown, N.J., hospital earlier this month; emergency surgery revealed a cancerous mass on his lower back. Platt is being treated for the Stage 4 cancer, but his situation is complicated by a long-standing Type 1 diabetes condition. A biopsy performed Friday may well help doctors pinpoint the type of cancer so appropriate treatment can begin.
Platt has had a successful competitive career in personal combat sports most of his life, despite being urged by doctors not to, because of his diabetes. He was a two-time Prep School National champion for Blair Academy in high school, winning at 215 pounds in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Platt was named to the ASICS High School All-American Team as its third team member at 215 pounds. He was honorable mention in 2006.
In addition to success in folkstyle, Platt made a name for himself in freestyle, where he was a Junior Nationals freestyle champion in 2007 at 215 pounds. He placed second in the 2010 University Nationals and fourth in 2008 University Nationals. He also won gold medals in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the 2007 Pan American Junior Championships.
Platt was recruited by Penn State for the 2007-08 season, and was a leading candidate to replace NCAA champ Phil Davis at 197 upon graduation. However, Platt was unable to wrestle because of a shoulder injury according to news reports at the time.
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