Since I’ve put my heart into this sport, I’ve known that I wanted to wrestle at the D1 level in college. There’s been many ups and a lot of downs, but I wouldn’t trade any of it for the position that I am in today. I’m thankful for the opportunities this sport has given me and will continue to be!
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With that being said, after much thought and consideration of my dreams and aspirations, I would like to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa to continue my academic and athletic career. Thank you to all of my coaches, supporters, partners, and haters for getting me to this point. I cannot wait to embark upon this journey and become a HAWKEYE🐤⚫️🟡
#SKOHAWKS
Flashback From ______…
Snapchat has this fun, exciting, saddening, and also sickening way of reminding you the places you were at a year ago, 2 years, 3 years, etc…
Whether it be the physical spaces or the mental spaces, somehow an app will remind you of it. You look back, you look at where you are now, and sometimes the only words to express it is “WOW”.
My reaction was just that.
“WOW”, because I’m a survivor of my own thoughts, a feat that is very unfortunate that some will never get to say.
“WOW”, because so much growth has happened in only 365 days, really isn’t THAT long of a time.
“WOW”, because I’m happy, I’m doing what I love, and I’m still striving to be great.
Perspective is what you make it, it’s your own view. Hopefully I got to be your daily reminder of that and that you are always better than your own thoughts of yourself and demons that you face. Happy New Year :)))
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#IJNIP
🚨long post🚨
Could have. Should have. Would have. But, I didn’t. I didn’t train hard enough. I didn’t live right. I didn’t do what needed to be done to be on top of the podium or even on the podium at all. Walking away, empty handed, from the national tournament was never a feeling I thought I’d feel. A wise man once told me, “You get what you earn”, and I did. I got what I earned. That’s just the short story though. But the long one?
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On December 30th,2024, I found myself in the hospital. Questioning my worth, my ability, my will to live, everything. The only answer I could come up with was simply just not being alive. I didn’t want to deal and live with the hurt, pain, and regret that had been swirling around and around my head for years upon years. I was lost, nowhere to turn, no want to fight anymore. The demons were winning. I had given up, I was exhausted of fighting this so called “good fight”.
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So today, I find myself content, grateful, filled with pride, and most importantly, I find myself happy with who and what I am becoming. The wins, the losses, they will never define me. Some days are easier than others. Some days the finish line seems clear to me and other days, that sight seems so so far away. I’ve been blessed with a family here at Iowa that no one can or will ever understand unless you’re here to see and witness it firsthand (go hawks🐤). Off the mat, or on the mat, I will fulfill the plans that God has for me. To anyone who will listen, I will share my testimony as it continues to build within me. I will share the gospel and continue to learn about how faithful my father is. This year, I’ve learned more about myself than ever before. I’ve been torn down until I was bare. Lessons that I will never forget and will mold me into the man, the wrestler, and the person I will become when my journey is all said and done.
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With all the sappy shit said now…
2026 National Champion, it’s time to start writing the next chapter of my story :)
#IJNIP #phil413
