I started to understand the sport of wrestling some 40 years after having wrestled myself.
As a wrestler, I mistakingly thought being a solid athlete would be enough to be successful.
I was wrong.
I spent many matches looking up at the rafters in defeat rather than getting my arm raised in victory.
As a wrestler, I was missing one important ingredient.
Passion.
My son is a wrestler.
He is a lightweight in stature, but not in heart.
After having only moderate success in Junior High, he embraced the sport.
Since then his constant drive, focus, and fearlessness are the characteristics I was missing.
In his sophomore high school off-season, I drove him 1,200 hundred miles to attend a wrestling camp.
With a hug and a kiss and a few tears I told him I would see him in a month.
I drove back home and his 30-day journey began.
My day long drive was filled with doubt as to whether I did the right thing or not taking him to this camp.
He completed the 30-day camp and upon returning home he committed to the sport even more.
Working out, continuous nights at a wrestling club and weekend tournaments became the norm.
He started to see results.
His hard work is working.
I know he is moving forward. I see it.
He obtained a new level which stemmed from his passion for the sport.
He recently took 2nd in Section XI @ 113 pounds.
Today he is encouraged by his triumphs and fueled by his shortcomings.
I am enlightened by how he challenges himself.
The off-season has begun.
The hard work starts again.
I have learned a lot from my son.
He has what I was missing.
Passion for the sport.
Scott Borland
Father of Jacob Borland
Northport High School
2017 Section XI Runner-up @ 113 Lbs.
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.
John Passaro 
Thank you John for listening to my son’s story!
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