My high school wrestling career is over.
That is a sentence that I would’ve hoped to write after a State Championship but instead, I am writing it the Monday after the state qualifier.
I don’t have any regrets about my season or my career.
It wasn’t perfect.
In fact, it was far from it.
But there are so many takeaways from wrestling that will shape my life.
I’ve learned how to connect with other people and how to learn from others.
I’ve created bonds with members of my team that will last forever.
I’ve learned so many valuable lessons about my body and nutrition that will pay lifelong dividends.
I’ve met so many important and wonderful people and have seen so many great things happen for others.
I’ve learned from three amazing coaches. I even learned how those you look up to aren’t perfect themselves, and that’s okay.
I’ve stayed away from drugs and alcohol, and in the process, I have set up a bright future for myself.
None of what will happen in my future would be the same had I not wrestled, and for that, I am forever grateful to this sport.
The hours I spent to make myself better has not gone to waste, as it has made me a better person and has also affected many around me.
I know it doesn’t feel so worth it because I didn’t accomplish anything materially in this sport, but I know what was really accomplished can never be held in my hand or wrote about in the newspaper, and most of it will only be known to me.
All of that time spent becoming a great wrestler will be translated into the time I’ll spend making my future amazing and my life fulfilling.
I’ve done enough with this sport.
I was going to have to walk away eventually.
I am thankful for the opportunities wrestling presented me with.
This is way more painful than I had ever imagined the end of my career to be.
With tears in my eyes, I am content with the end of this chapter in the book of my life.
Wrestling has made my future brighter.
Elijah Moretti
They call it the greatest sport on earth for a reason.
It just took me 26 years to figure out why.
READ THE 1st CHAPTER
Every parent should get this book. It is a quick read but be sure to block out 3 hours or so because you won’t be able to stop.
A book that changed the way I look at life. My wife and two 14-year-old boys have also read the book and we all agree that it is not only an inspiring story but one that is life changing. A very quick read and one that is difficult to put down. This is a must read for anyone that has kids. It is a reminder of just how precious life is. You do not have to be a high school wrestling fan to enjoy this book.
As a coach, a father, a husband, and just someone always striving to have a positive effect, this book hit me on a million different levels. I bought this book because it had a wrestling title but I did not have great expectations. Like most others who reviewed this book, I could not put it down and it had a profound impact on me. After reading this book I regularly find myself now moving beyond the thought of sacrificing one part of my life for another, and simply saying “I want both”. Thank you, John, for writing this book!
This will be my next gift to my entire family and friends.
Tom Magnani HHH wrestling 1979- 2010
I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. It was beyond inspiring. An amazing story of love, dedication, hope and the will to never give up. I am proud to have read his families story.
on March 20, 2013
I have known the Passaro family for many years through competing against them and trying to prepare my kids to wrestle against them (a very daunting task) but I did not know about the tragic events that they have gone through until I read this book. I started the book and completed it in one sitting, I could not put it down. As a parent of three boys myself I totally felt the pain that the author was going through, the struggle to help his daughter while trying to keep his family with a modicum of normalcy was gripping. This book is an inspiration to anybody who knows how to love their family and would move heaven and earth to save them if they were in trouble. I highly recommend this book, whether you’re a parent or not, this story will find a place in your heart. Bravo to you and your family Mr. Passaro it has been a pleasure and an honor to hear your story!!!
on March 17, 2013
You need to read it! It’s a great book for anyone!
“Amazing awaits when you work hard enough.”
“Champions muster up a little more.”
“There is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle.”
Great book for athletes, students, parents, teachers, coaches. Great book for all….hopefully, each will be as inspired to share it with young people so they can be equally inspired. Many blessings to John and to his family…Miracles are coming…you just have to believe.
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Categories: Coaching, Life Lessons, Shorts, Sports, Wrestling
John Passaro 
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