Devon Berry"I don't think there's anything this kid can't do," St. Cloud State head wrestling coach Steve Costanza told the Constitution-Journal Wednesday. "He's one of the most incredible people I've ever met."
Costanza wasn't the only one who was impressed with Berry. When the Georgia scholar-athlete visited SCSU earlier this year, he won over his future teammates.
"Our guys said, 'Coach, you've gotta have that kid,'" Costanza said. "He inspires me and all of those he's around."
According to his wrestling recruiting profile at NCSAsports.org , the 5'3" Berry currently weighs 120 pounds, and plans to wrestle at 125.
Berry, a defensive end for the Hampton High football team, created a social media sensation back in September when a player from an opposing team went to shake his hand. The mother of the rival player posted the photo on Facebook which went viral. Berry suddenly received hundreds of Facebook friend requests. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did an upbeat profile of the athlete. Local TV stations and ESPN came to cover Berry.
Although he's not a starter, Berry won the right to wear the uniform because he faithfully practices with his team, and reports to the weight room every morning at 6:45.
"He's done everything everyone else has done," Hampton head football coach Chad Ashley said.
Two months ago, Berry said, "I don't like to brag, but I want to be an inspiration."
To that end, in September Berry said he plans to study broadcast journalism at SCSU with hopes of being a sportscaster ... or perhaps run a company that makes products that help others with similar disabilities. In another article, Berry also said he hoped to earn a minor in theology so that he could reach out and inspire others.
Right now, the future St. Cloud State wrestler would appear to be on Cloud 9.
"Today was probably my best day in my life besides giving my life to Christ," Berry posted on his Facebook page Wednesday.
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