Replies

Our Local H.S.

Buena wrestlers honor fallen soldier and teammate

http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7776032&nav=menu216_3

Even though they compete individually, wrestling has always been a team sport.

Collin Schockmel was a standout wrestler for Buena high school. A few years ago he left school and joined the army.

Last January, he died in Iraq.

“Everyone was really shocked to hear Collin died,” says wrestler David Jones.

But even in death, through wrestling, Collin’s legacy lives on.

“For him, wrestling was a good part of his life,” says wrestler Anthony Kirkpatrick.

Buena dedicated this season in Collin’s honor.

The team’s record is 17-1 and they’re ranked top in the state.

With such a successful season, the wrestlers are convinced that Collin is watching over them.

“He must be there. At one of the tournaments one of our kids was getting turned. All of a sudden the ‘third hand’ reached up, turned the kid over... I just figured that was Collin,” says coach Dan Southard.

While serving, Collin taught wrestling to Iraqi youth.

Military leaders think insurgents targeted him because of it.

“Collin was making a difference with kids and a very positive difference that the bad guys couldn’t put up with,” Southard says.

And as Buena’s season goes on and the wins mount up, each victory honors a friend, a fallen soldier; a true competitor.