Inside Job, by Gino Giacoio

There was very short time left in the match, I was down 6-4, and I needed a takedown.

I kept shooting and attempting takedowns, but nothing was working.

I was exhausted and near my limit.

I considered stopping and giving up, I asked myself with only 12 seconds left how could I win?

That was until we went out of bounds and I saw the exhaustion in my opponent’s eyes.

As we went back to the center, I heard a quiet, but powerful voice in my head.

It told me to “Always be the first person back to the circle.”

Which is what you wrote on the inside cover of a book you sent to me after I emailed you about how much your books inspired me.

Snapping back into reality, I realized my opponent was even more tired than I was.

There was no way I was going to let him stall out the last few seconds for the win.

I heard my team cheering for me.

A burst of adrenaline shot through my body.

As soon as the whistle blew I took a shot and with every ounce of my strength and energy, I got the takedown.

Better yet, my fireman’s carry took him to his back.

I got back points in the final few seconds to win the match 8-6.

After the buzzer blew, I immediately jumped to my feet and started clapping.

I was extremely excited and overjoyed that I pulled out the win.

The whole gym was on their feet screaming, and I heard my coaches scream

“Good job, Gino – That’s how you finish!”

It may only have been a regular season dual meet win, but it gave me a great confidence boost to start the season.

I went to bed that night with the biggest smile on my face.

All the hard work and sacrifices I made were worth getting my hand raised.

Gino Giacoio