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After the end of eighth grade Potter’s School student Josh Wilke, who lives near Seattle, Washington, decided that he wanted to attend the United States Naval Academy. To improve his chances of acceptance into the Naval Academy, which encourages participation in rigorous athletic activities, at the beginning of ninth grade Josh joined wrestling and football teams in Inglewood Junior High School.

 

In just his first year playing those sports, Josh earned recognition after his school named him the “most inspirational” player of the year. Last year, in tenth grade, Josh played defensive tackle on the junior varsity team at Eastlake High School. His team rolled through the season undefeated and finished with a spotless record at 8-0. In wrestling he also worked his way to a split record of 50-50. Yet, as he points out, winning hardly constitutes everything in his sports activities. “I ask [God] to help sustain me before matches and games…I give Him thanks whenever we win, and I pray that He helps me get better when we lose.”

 

This past April Josh had the misfortune of crushing his thumb with weights while training for football. In the ensuing months he persevered through two infections while waiting for his thumb to heal to an extent where he could resume his vigorous sports schedule. In November, seven full months after his injury, Josh received medical clearance in time to rejoin his wrestling team for their season. He currently wrestles on the varsity team at East Lake High School as a 215-lb class wrestler. Just recently Josh showed that he has regained his previous form, after pinning an opponent after only 30 seconds of wrestling.

Due to his injury Josh had minimal involvement with his team this particular football season but still continues to play as a defensive tackle and offensive tackle on the team. He enjoys playing his positions because of the “freedom to control my position and break up plays.” Concerning his affinity to playing defensive tackle, he also notes, “It’s a great feeling when you break through the line [of scrimmage] and smear the running back in the backfield.”

 

Each week Josh devotes more than 15 hours to sports and physical conditioning throughout. However, Josh reminds us that sports impart benefits besides keeping him in optimum physical shape, “[Sports have taught] me perseverance, teamwork, [and] leadership.”

 

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