Every wrestler has it, that one match- the one that always stands out in their mind. It could be the victory in the state finals. The memory may be that of their first victory in a season that went 3-18. A wrestler may relive the moment he beat that number one guy when everyone, even his coach didn’t think he had a chance.

You can even remember matches of other wrestlers. For a coach it could be the guy who hung in there and didn’t get pinned to save a team victory. Fans may think back to that epic battle of Dan Hunt and Randy Gillett. This ended in a tie. Today’s rules would change that outcome, wouldn’t they? Every parent will treasure and cringe at some of their child’s matches. Each period from peewee to college sticks in their brain and heart.

One good match will always be cherished by a family and that happened at the Blindmen’s Invitational. No, it’s not a tournament for the visually impaired (except for the referees). It is named in sarcasm by the S.W.O.A. (Syracuse Wrestling Officials Association) which runs this event. Designed to mature JV wrestling as well as new officials, it started in 1992. This event has been primarily hosted with our gratitude at Cicero North Syracuse school district. Thank-you to Coach Dereck Bigford and AD Tom Tathom. With far too few JV tournaments, this early in the season event gives coaches a chance to see their new wrestlers. Each competitor will be given a minimum of two matches.

The S.W.O.A. will also evaluate their new officials. The manpower to operate this event is donated by the S.W.O.A. CNS also donates its building and costs. Throughout the day all individuals from table help to clean-up are all volunteers. The money at the concession stand goes back to the CNS wrestling booster club. The remaining money after entry fees and expenses goes to the S.W.O.A. for the John Arcaro Sports- manship Award and a S.W.O.A. scholarship. Trophies are awarded from first to fourth. Champion tee shirts are also given. Though a JV tournament, many know that placing in this event is a prestigious honor. Go to the S.W.O.A. website and see their honor roll for the Blindmen’s for yourself.

In 2001, the finals will always be held special for the 152 weight class. The parents sat watching their son in the finals. It had been a good day for him winning and pinning his way into the semi-finals. His mother noticed during the day that her son slept between rounds. A long day and a long night before a tournament can tire out any wrestler. In the semi-finals he battled his way to victory in a hard fought 8-5 match. Now the finals waited. This was it, a lifetime of wrestling which started at five years old and now a chance to prove all the hard work had paid off. This was the Blindman’s, a stepping stone to Varsity. It was a chance to prove yourself, make your mark. He walked out to the center mat and the whistle blew.

They circled and before you knew it, he was taken down. A strong Watertown wrestler also pushed for his chance at a championship. Standing up and turning, he broke free – 2-1. They circled and faked. Then a clash and he was up 3-2. Second period he was on top. He had the lead and the victory was on the way. Suddenly a home run move and he’s flat on his back! A reversal is clear and it is at least 4-3, but bigger trouble is at hand. His father’s words echo in his mind, shoulder to shoulder, left, right, fight! It’s early in the period and being on your back can feel like an eternity. He barely hears the crowd. Are they cheering for him, or are they yelling for the opponent? He rolled left on one shoulder. He rolled right. He was tired. Seconds seems like minutes. Shoulder left, bridge right, no time for in between. He could quit, just go flat, it was his choice. But no, he kept going. Loud screams and shouts are barraged at him. He then saw it. The guy was high. He reached for the head and gave one hard roll. He went from the bottom to the top and held his head. The guy went flat. His opponent was tired, so was he. He squeezed the head, chest down and head up. Bam! The ref slapped the mat and the crowd roared! The 2001 Blindmen’s champion at 152 was Brett Dixon, freshman from Central Square-pin 3:29.

As wrestlers we can make many choices. We can choose to fight or choose to quit. We have the option of working hard in or cruising through. We can train our bodies into a seven percent machine. We can practice until our minds react to counter any move. Life gives us these choices and options. Life also does not give us some choices. This happens in matters such as your genes, your stature, or your health. It was the health of our fellow wrestler Brett Dixon that took him out of the arena way too young. This article is a triibute to him.