David Heckard (2001)

A match that I won that I remember the most came during the National Duals. We were wrestling Arizona State, and I pinned my opponent, which gave us the chance to win it at heavyweight, which we did.

One of the toughest things I have ever done was the eight-mile Mt. Nittany run from Rec Hall to the top of the mountain and back. I thought I was going to die.

Coach Dave Hart was the one coach who really pushed me the most in practice. He not only pushed me in practice, but pushed for us to make the right decisions in life.

The sport of wrestling has been a big part of my life. It is very simple—there is no other sport that prepares you for the trials and tribulations of life as wrestling does.