 Re: Ackerman's 2001 Title "NCAA's Most Dramatic Championship Win"
I was there for the 2001 DIII tournament and (as I have frequently posted) Nick Ackerman became one of my heroes. You'd see him walking around between matches with his prostheses and he'd be about 6'1" and then on the mat - maybe 5'5". He seemed to know how to use his low center of gravity and his long arms to his advantage. He had an outstanding cradle and an excellent Granby series.
When his mom came down on the mat after his championsip win - well - I was crying like a little kid who's puppy had just died. Yes, he's giving back by becoming a prosthetist, but he has also helped young wrestlers who have faced amputation go on and continue to compete.
If you're looking for a wrestler to be a role model - Nick Ackerman is very near the top of my list. |