Franklin Gomez

I watched the NCAA Div I Wrestling Finals yesterday. March Madness takes on a different meaning in my home - you can discuss what basketball means to me over the phone if you'd like. For me, it's all about wrestling.

I was astounded at the quality of athlete appearing in each of the weight divisions. Physically these men are specimens, with skills that they have honed for decades taking them to this point. For seniors, this is it. There's no professional ranks to take them past collegiate mats. No fat cash endorsements, cars or groupies. No agents to cloud their perceptions of reality. Just the sport. The competition.

Three wrestlers stood out to me.

Franklin Gomez, 133 lbs., Michigan State. Born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Puerto Rico and eventually making it to the United States and earning a scholarship to Michigan. He was not expected to win so handily, and yet when asked about he match just after his win he says, "I am so grateful for this country, to be an American. I am so grateful to God for my blessings." Exactly.

Ryan Williams, 141 lbs., Old Dominion. Never placing better than 7th place in a state tournament as a high schooler (which is significant when you look at all other finalists who've often won 4 state championships), this kid presses forward and his college coach notices a work ethic and keeps him on the team. He places second in his third season as a collegiate wrestler, loosing to an undefeated senior from Ohio State. Almost unbelievable.

Anthony Robles, 125 lbs., Arizona State. "He didn't beat me because I was born with only one leg. He beat me tonight because he's the better wrestler. It's that simple."

I love this sport for many things, but mostly for the characters it attracts. The Cayle Sandersons, Dan Gables, John Smiths, Henry Cejudos and those mentioned above.

Wrestling is Brilliant!