Writing by Ann Newton Re: Nick/Wrestling 2-11

Hi all,

I received a phone call today from a Mom of one of Nick's wrestling teammates (J.P.), Ann Newton. Ann had written something about Nick over the wrestling season she wanted to share with us and others. I was so touched just by the fact she would take the time and effort to do something like this and call me about it. She sent it to me and I read it. Pass the tissues please!!!!:) Wow! We are so touched and grateful for this. There were some cool pictures in the version she sent me but I can't get them to copy/paste into this message. If that changes, I'll add them later. Anyhow, I wanted to share the words she wrote. Here it is below:

By Ann Newton 2-11

Nick Hyndman is a senior on the Perrysburg High School wrestling team who has been an
incredible asset to the team for the past two years. Nick is an emotional leader and inspiration to
the team. More importunately he has changed the lives of his teammates, classmates, coaches,
parents and our community. Nick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a very young age, and
has endured obstacles and barriers his entire life. However, his unwavering determination and
relentless drive have allowed him to fulfill his dream of being a “team mate” at Perrysburg High
School.
As a wrestling parent, I have been asked numerous times; “This sport is so difficult, why would
you allow your sons do this……..to go thru this?” Simply stated; the wrestling is often
secondary, rather the “life lessons” associated with this mentally and physically demanding sport
are unparalleled compared to most sports . Nick’s journey has yet again unveiled the character and
magnified the personal attributes one must poses to wrestle. It has been an amazing journey and
we are so blessed to have witnessed Nick’s story as it has been written!
As Nick lead the team, walking on to the mat for introductions on “senior night”, I was
challenged to find a “dry – eye” in the gymnasium. He walked proudly……..leading his team
for Senior night, a very emotional and inspirational moment for our entire wrestling community.
Albeit inspiring, this moment was quickly eclipsed as we watched him interact with his team
mates. The mutual encouragement, enthusiasm, and respect were awe inspiring: “Slick Nick” is
part of this team. The typical commrodary associated with high school sports was evident not
only this night, but at practices and competitions through out the year as well.
Nick’s journey is best told through the following article’s, parent newsletters, and
correspondence from Nick’s parent’s and Nick’s facebook post and pictures.

Weekly Wrestling Newsletter – February 9, 2011

Regardless of how the season ends the team should be most proud of how they have grown as people, their
character, compassion & heart. Last year Nick Hyndman decided he wanted to go out for the wrestling team. From
the second he made it onto the mat, the boys have treated him as an equal. They encourage him, push him to work
hard, help him develop his wrestling skills, and they goof around & tease him like any other wrestler on the team.
To watch Nick walk out onto the mat, something he could not do a year & ½ ago, is inspiring and amazing. This is a
true testament to how great PHS wrestling is & how proud we should be of these boys.
Please Congratulate Nick Hyndman for his hard work and toughness! He is an inspiration to all of us! Nick has been
contacted by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to do an interview for their magazine. They are also making
arrangements for Nick & his family to go to the state tournament in Columbus (March 3-5) where Nick will be
recognized. Hopefully we will be sending some competitors down as well so Perrysburg will be well represented.
When high school wrestling is a distant memory for these athletes, they may not remember their record or # of pins,
but I am pretty sure they will remember Nick & the small part they played in is success!
Karen Fleming, PHS Wresting Parent Representative

Nick’s Parents Response to Newsletter

Hello everyone,
We would like to thank the coaches, the staff, and all of the team members for the kindness & support you've shown
to Nick the past 2 years. We will certainly remember this experience and so will Nick. We're not sure if you realize
how amazing this has been. We were told when Nick was an infant that he would most likely never walk, may not
talk, would most likely have cognitive delays due to brain damage he suffered from a medical issue after his birth
and the following diagnosis of cerebral palsy. We decided they didn't know for sure so we decided to get Nick all
the therapy and support we could and decided to let HIM show us what he COULD do. He started talking at age
three, reading at age three, he walked the first time at age 7, and he's gotten all A's and Bs in regular education
classes throughout his school career. We're getting ready to send him off to college next year and it all seems to have
flown by way too fast! The point is, he's done a lot of things we were told he wouldn't do BUT when he came to us
last year and told us he wanted to wrestle so he could play a sport for his high school with his peers, we thought,
"how is this going to work?" "Can he?" He played challenger baseball for 9 years, and lives and breathes sports, but
his dream was to play for his school. We thought "this may end up badly with Nick being hurt, his feelings and pride
being hurt". (UGH) Well, the coaches and staff have been open-minded and supportive from day 1 and the boys
have too. Nick knew he couldn't "win" a match probably but he could "win" by being out there, doing it, in spite of
being in pain daily (part of his CP and part wrestling work outs!). He's competitive with himself and sets goals. Last
year, he just wanted to make it through a whole match. He did. This year, he wanted to wrestle just one varsity
match as a senior. He did. Last year, he just stood up from the mat, and walked off the mat, no walker or wheelchair,
no one holding his arm, just by himself. Something he'd not done and it literally took our breath away. Literally and
in the best way. He's gotten so much stronger physically and emotionally as well. We are so proud of him and of all
of the boys. We are grateful for everyone's support and kindness. We'll never forget it! Even the kids in his classes
talk to him more since this all started last year and he gave a speech talking about his disability and he has friends
now. People actually look at him and talk to him, which they didn't do before. They TALK to him, which they didn't
do before. So, this whole experience has been so much more than a sport to Nick.
We just wanted you to know that.
Thank you!
Greg & Amy Hyndman, Nick's parents

Nick’s Facebook Posts

November 8, 2010 - Oh, I started to forget the joys of wrestling but that came back very quickly as I wrestled during
practice for the 1st time since February. Got 5 blisters on my hands, 3 mat burns and a sore midsection. lol. I love it
though, they are my battle scars. haha ;) I apologize to my teammates if it seemed like I wasn't giving 100% toward
the end, was just in pain and exhausted. Gotta get back into it and it'll get better.
November 10, 2010 - "I'm no longer going to complain, about being in pain, I have nothing to lose, just everything
to gain." ;)
November 13, 2010 - Am I getting caught up in winning a little bit? "When" I win one this season, it'll be the
greatest feeling ever. But I've began to lose that feeling that I had last season, the feeling "wow, I’ve been blessed to
be part of a real team." From now to the end, I will find a balance between doing what I have to get the win, and just
enjoying the fact that I've been graced to be a part of something real
November 18, 2010 - To my teammates, I'm sorry I keep missing, I want you to know if I can be there, I will. I gotta
learn to find the balance between pushing myself enough for you guys to see I'm doing best I can and pushing
myself to the point where I physically can't get up the next day. I'm gonna find it soon. I hate missing and from now
on, I'm gonna be there everyday I physically can. It's my last year and I want to go out right.
November 20, 2010 - Good 1st scrimmage today. Found out a scrimmage in wrestling isn't a match, but 2 hrs of
wrestling with guys and coaches from different schools. Good learning experience. Hard to do though. lol. Only
makes me stronger and better. :) Now back to practice Mon. to prepare for the next scrimmage at home next Sat. :)
November 21, 2010 - "Wrestling= 5-6 days a week, being sore and in pain 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and getting
better/stronger at least 1% everyday for roughly 100 days. Do the math."- Nick Hyndman ;)
November 24, 2010 - Had a good practice this morning and felt so good that I walked a mile with my dad after. :)
November 27, 2010 - Amazing scrimmage today at home. Never felt as confident and ready to just flat out wrestle
like today. lol. Stamina was probably best it's ever been and just had a blast! XD Now time to get ready for St. Johns
Tuesday. OHIO ST. v. Mich game, GO BUCKS!!! Awesome day today!!
December 6, 2010 - Now that I have my motivation, and the accomplishment is in sight, my determination kicks
into overdrive everyday starting today, from now till I hopefully achieve this accomplishment, my A game will be
brought everyday. XD
December 8, 2010 - Tomorrow is the beginning of what we've worked hard for this past month. 1st NLL dual meet
of the season at Bowling Green at 6. Time for me and my boys to go 1-0! Lets get it!! XD
December 16, 2010 - Meet at home against Rossford tonight. For family and friends who wanna see me, sorry, i'm
not wrestling due to illness, but still gonna be there to support my boys, time to go 2-0. Let's get it! XD
December 23, 2010 - Another good day lined up, actually going to get my license, practice at 1, then bowling with
my boys, then, idk, we'll see. haha :)
January 24, 2011 - Thursday will be my last home meet ever. Right now, it seems like it will be bittersweet. It's
against our rivals, Maumee, and it'll be senior night. Looking forward to going out there one last time in front of the
home crowd. Just gonna embrace every moment I spend with my team from now to the end.
January 27, 2011 - Senior night was amazing. We mauled Maumee 49-18. :) Proud of my team! I got to lead my
team out and wrestle during our awesome warm-up. But the best part was my family there to support me just like
they always have. :) I want to thank Perrysburg for giving me the opportunities that I have had and for the applauds
and compliments. Will never forget the memories at home. I have not one regret. Thanks everyone! :)
February 9, 2011 - Proud of my team once again for getting the W tonight. 47-15. :) Now Sat. is NLL's and I’m
confident in my guys so let's show then what we do. ;) Unfortunately, I’m done wrestling. But i will continue to
practice with and support the rest of the guys till the end. :) Team dinner tomorrow! :)
February 12, 2011 - Damn! It feels good to be a League Champion!! All the pain and the exhaustion, this is
what it was for! The ability to motivate one another to overcome all adversity as a team is the reason why we
are the best team in the leauge! Can't ever explain how proud I am to be a part of this team and how much
being on this team has changed my life! Can't ever thank everyone enough for allowing me to be a part of it!
:)

Blessings:)
Amy