AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After lunch was over, I was led to the atrium where another table was set up in front of the wide banner that was used for photos this morning. Brendan Rowe stopped by again just as I sat down. He drew criticism from a few of the other fighters.
“Hey, Rowe, get in line, man,” one of the fighters joked.
“I’m heading out, but I’ll see you around. This…” Brendan gestured at Corey and some promo people bringing boxes over. “This is the fun part. Don’t get a sore hand signing stuff.” Over Brendan’s shoulder, TCF staff began letting in the people from the line outside. They were funneled into a new wraparound line inside.
“Thanks, Brendan. It was great meeting you.”
“I’m glad I got to finally meet Hollis ‘The Dragon’ Ward. I spotted your parents and gave them some stuff for your brothers.”
“Thank you. They will flip.”
“Well, like I said, I had to catch them before they become diehard Hollis Ward fans.” Brendan winked at me and then clasped my hand with his.
As I signed a bunch of posters, t-shirts, and hats, I greeted kids who were the same age I was. Lots of local high school wrestlers were here, and it was great to talk to them. Many weren’t shy and asked questions as I signed whatever item they picked out.
“Hollis, how did TCF find you?” a high school wrestler asked.
“My jiu-jitsu coach kept sending tapes of me to TCF, and they expressed interest a few years ago.”
“You’re so lucky, man. I keep trying. I’ve been sending in my stuff, but nothing’s come of it yet.”
I looked at him as I handed him the t-shirt. I realized that even though I busted my ass to get to where I was, I was very fortunate and blessed with opportunities. I had advantages many kids didn’t have. It had nothing to do with raw, natural talent. It had a lot to do with simply having a supportive family. My parents took me to and from martial art classes when I was younger and wasn’t able to drive yet. My little brothers sat on the mats at my classes after school and did their homework, all so I would have the opportunity to be the best.
Out of all the people I spoke to today, and out of all the encouraging words I’d heard, this eighteen-year-old high school wrestler had made the biggest impact on me. He made me realize that everything around me hadn’t happened just because I was awesome, but because I had opportunities that others didn’t.
