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Grappling with the end
It happens to all athletes at one time or another. Despite all the years of blood, sweat and tears; eventually every athlete's playing career must come to an end. It is happening all too fast for SCSU senior 184-lb wrestler Nate Whiting. After last night's bout with St. John's, Whiting's college grappling career is down to just one more dual meet and the NCC and National Tournaments.
"I'm really not prepared at all," Whiting said of his wrestling days coming to an end. "I've been wrestling my whole life and it all seems to be going by so fast."
Whiting began his wrestling career the same way as so many others have: by picking up permission slip from his second grade teacher and simply trying the sport out. From here, Whiting went on to earn All-Conference honors in high school while wrestling for Alexandria in the ultra-competitive Central Lakes Conference.
Whiting then moved on to Northern Sate University where he wrestled for one year. Fortunately for SCSU, things did not work out at Northern State and Whiting ended up a Husky.
"SCSU seemed to have both a good wrestling and education program," Whiting said of his choice to become a Husky. "It was also close to my hometown which was important."
His choice turned out to be a good one, as he has enjoyed a successful career at SCSU. He is currently co-captain of the wrestling squad along with juniors Dustin Darvaeux and Matt Neumueller. Whiting also narrowly missed achieving All-American status, the goal of every college wrestler, by a mere two points last season.
"When Nate got here he was not an All-American caliber of wrestler," said SCSU head coach Steve Grimit. "He has really shown the other guys what hard work and determination can do. He leads by example."
Becoming an All American caliber wrestler does not happen simply by accident. Many obstacles must be overcome while investing hours upon hours of hard work. However, Whiting is no stranger to hard work and going that extra mile. Over the years, many people have instilled in him the value of what hard work can do.
"It really has come from a combination of things," Whiting said of the origins of his strong work ethic. "It started at home with my family. It also has come from some of the coaches and wrestlers I've been around throughout my career."
As one of only two seniors on the 2001-02 SCSU wrestling squad, Whiting's veteran, blue-collar presence has been a godsend for both Coach Grimit and for the younger Husky grapplers.
First year 125-pounder Derek Miller is one of those young Huskies who has benefited from Whiting's example.
"Nate's a real positive leader," Miller said. "He works hard and pushes everyone else. He just always keeps fighting, and fighting, and fighting. He will never give anything up."
Whiting is also grateful for the time he has spent as a Husky. "SCSU is a great environment for wrestling and improving," he said. "I've been able to watch myself improve and to see other people around me improve and excel."
Once his career on the mat comes to an end, Whiting hopes to use his degree in Technical Education to move out into the world and become a teacher and a wrestling coach.
Until that time comes, Whiting has some unfinished business to attend to. All-American status was within inches of his grasp last season, this season he hopes to achieve the ultimate goal.
"I really want to qualify for Nationals again and become an All American. I know that if I keep working hard and have a positive attitude, everything will fall into place."
Adam Czech can be reached at: [email protected]
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