A state champion high school wrestler from Ilion, New York, makes one of the most difficult decisions of his life, and that changes everything. He chooses to give up on a match that he could easily win.
One of the perks of being a state champion, Marek Bush hardly had any fearsome rival. However, that changed when this 126-pound class elite met a junior named Logan Patterson in an annual meet hosted by Marek’s school.
Logan made a 7-0 dominating lead against Marek, and it was inevitable that he’ll win. Unfortunately, he landed on his elbow with just 30 seconds left. Marek knew Logan didn’t have a chance with a twisted elbow.
Marek looked his coach in the eyes and said, “I got this,” and made his spot below Logan. He only had to stand up and pin Logan. Instead, Marek did nothing! He told Logan that he was sorry for his arm and then surrendered the match.
Logan couldn’t believe himself. “He just sat there. He didn’t move… he is a great person,” said Logan to Steve Hartman from CBS. As Marek’s proud coach and father Bob says, “It’s not about winning all the time, it’s about doing what’s right.”
It was a real tough call for a kid of his age. The match referee, Terry Kavanaugh, knows what it means to forfeit a title like that. But Marek did it without thinking twice. It was, indeed, “the pinnacle of class.”
Marek thought everyone would think of him as a weakling, yet he made this choice with a bold heart. That is why, despite losing the match, he has won the hearts of the people. Now, that’s the real spirit of sportsmanship!
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