![](imgs/articles/lacrosse.jpg)
As the years came and went, I felt unfulfilled with myself, however. I watched my roommate and friend of five years, Ryan Allen, become a three-time national finalist and two-time national champion. It was awesome, and I couldn't be happier for him, but I was waiting for my time to accomplish all the goals I set for myself when I started my career at UWL. One season after another, something always went wrong for me, whether it was injuries, lost wrestle-offs, or crucial matches that I didn't win, and I felt my goals vanish with each season past. Now being no different from any other season, I will not be the starter in my final wrestling season. It is hard to take, however, I have realized many things over the years that seem to put everything in perspective and make me feel like I am about to finish college with everything I could have hoped for.
Being a team captain for the last two years has made me feel like a huge piece of the pie in the wrestling room at UWL. I enjoy giving advice to the younger guys on the team. I like going to eat with the team and laughing uncontrollably loud, as if we are the only ones in the place. You guys know what I'm talking about. I love going to weigh-ins and seeing that UWL are the only guys joking and acting like 12-year-olds, as all the other wrestlers look like it is the last place they want to be. I liked the "Royal Rumbles" we had in our apartment living room, Al, Lolly, Heuston, Needham, Passe. What a sight that must have been. I loved wrestling live in the practice room until blood was flying and we could hardly crouch in a stance for one second longer. I felt pride sitting with my teammates on the mats as Skaar, Billy, and Ruff call us bad asses and say, "No one can do what you guys are doing!" I like to see battles at every weight class, because after all, every good team has them. I think we have more than most.
![](imgs/articles/kuchniapic.jpg)
So in the end, I feel more fulfilled than I ever thought would be possible. I've gained lifelong lessons that will be with me even when I leave La Crosse and friends, that I am certain, will be part of my life for a long time. My teammates amaze me and are capable of anything. My season is not over, but I already feel like I can close out my last season at UWL with a smile on my face, knowing I was a part of something great. Wrestling fans get ready to see La Crosse "stir the pot at nationals."
Adam Kuchnia
Past UW-La Crosse Entries:
Entry 7 (1/27/06)
Entry 6 (12/19/05)
Entry 5 (12/1/05)
Entry 4 (11/16/05)
Entry 3 (11/3/05)
Entry 2 (10/19/05)
Entry 1 (10/10/05)
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now