On Jan. 30, junior Landon McConnell earned his 100 career win while wrestling at Tennessee School of the Blind. He placed 6th in the state in his weight class and is competing in the NATIONAL PREPS WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP at Lehigh University in Lehigh, Pennsylvania on Feb. 21.
McConnell has wrestled for four years and plans to continue through senior year and hopefully into college. Sixty-one of McConnell’s wins have been in the past two years. He went from going 20-18 last year to 41-9 this year.
“Hard work has gotten me to this point,” McConnell said. “My coaches, teammates, and family have continued to support me.”
McConnell said his favorite part of wrestling is trips with the team, and his biggest hurdle has been mental doubt.
“My 100th win means so much to me because it shows all the work I have put in,” he said.
McConnell said he thinks about his aspirations and goals and just works for them.
McConnell’s current coach, Enoch Hill, has coached him for the past two years.
“I am so proud of him,” Coach Hill said. “He has made lots of progress this past season and I am proud of the work he has put in, especially in the off-season. I am excited he still has a year to go!”
Seniors Isaac Murphy and Grant Sircy both said they are very proud of their teammates.
“He’s a good kid and a good friend who will be very successful one day. He is super coachable and absorbs everything that is told to him,” Murphy said.
Additionally, Sircy said, “McConnell has worked hard for this and I am proud of him and his hard work.”
Overall McConell says his biggest motivation is working to glorify God, and that is really what has gotten him to this point. “I am excited to have another year to continue to grow,” McConnell said.
