Stephen Adkins finds life-changing reward as he reflects on wrestling career at Olentangy High School
LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (BVM) — Sports can have a positive impact on anyone who is involved. Individually and collectively, it can bring out the best in people or expose them to more opportunities. For Olentangy High School senior Stephen Adkins, it was more than just an opportunity. It was life-changing.
Adkins’ decision to join the wrestling team was not only a desire, but he used it to make a positive change in his life.
“Last year I was 356 and then this year I am now 263,” Adkins said.
It was words from a teacher that introduced the idea of him joining the team. Adkins was hesitant at first. A junior at the time, he knew that he was late compared to the other students and would have to learn quickly. Also, transportation was an issue as his family only had one car at the time. It was just something that didn’t seem feasible, so he took his time to make his decision, which would happen to be a great one.
“During junior/sophomore year, coaches wanted to see if they can help me drive, pick me up and take me to practice,” Adkins said. “I talked to my mom about it and she said we can try it next year/junior year and we did that and now we have two cars.”
Still unsure about his decision, Adkins was going back and forth to see if this was something he could do. Adkins described the moment that ultimately convinced him to try out for wrestling.
“When I weighed myself, I was 356 and I was like maybe joining the sport would help me lose some weight,” he said.
According to Adkins, his junior year was all about going through the motions and for him to get in shape. The workout consisted of sprints, weightlifting and wrestling with each other. His efforts earned him a spot on the junior varsity team.
He took that time to learn as much as he could to be better as the year went on. He described the process as a way to get himself ready for his first match at the end of the season. He was able to get to the proper weight which placed him in the heavyweight class. He was 297 at the time, and he got his first pin in that match.
After making weight, Adkins was placed on the varsity wrestling team for his senior season. He received a lot more matches that year, including the one he considered the toughest against Marysville. According to Adkins, the guy he went up against was ranked fifth in the state.
“I basically just held my ground until I lost that match,” Adkins noted.
To Adkins, it wasn’t about wins or losses. It was about getting involved and trying to make a change in his life. He wanted to get better every day and he had this to say when asked how he mentally prepares for a match.
“I basically just say work on what you need to work on from the last match, see what you need to improve, score points and put on a show.”
He credits his coaches and teammates for pushing him to be better every day, and says that they were the best teammates that he has ever had. The support was immense.
“The experience that I had was fun, it’s great just going out there scoring points, having a big smile on my face every time in a match and just being positive,” Adkins added.
As Adkins reflects on his time on the wrestling team, he appreciates every moment and his supporters to help him get to where he is now. Even though wrestling is behind him, he plans to continue his fitness journey. He will look to lose some more weight and be more consistent.
“After I graduate, my mom and I are splitting the money for a gym membership just to stay fit and stay healthy,” Adkins explained.
When asked about his plans for the future, he said that he will stay active while also attending Marshall University where he will major in history.
Adkins’ high school wrestling career wrapped up on Feb. 27 and he appreciates the opportunity and path this had led him to. Ever since he joined the wrestling team, Adkins has lost about 100 pounds during his time there.
Even though he didn’t win any type of accolades, the experience was rewarding as it changed the outlook on his life. He plans to move to Virginia with his mom and will continue his fitness journey going into college and beyond.
