Over a year has gone by since Ohio State University wrestler Sammy Sasso was shot in the abdomen during a carjacking, which changed his life. Now, 453 days later, he has triumphantly returned to the wrestling mat. Sasso, who was formerly a formidable force in the 149-pound weight class, has advanced two weight classes to compete at 165 pounds, according to NBC4i, which is evidence of his difficult rehabilitation and adaption process.
Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan voiced his awe at Sasso’s perseverance and growth, citing it as one of the more impressive comebacks he has seen, despite what others saw as lengthy odds for his return. Sasso told NBC4i, “You know, you just go from training at such a high level,” before admitting to the humiliating process of having to relearn basic physical skills like standing and walking. However, as he struggled his way to a 12-6 victory over Jackson Hurst of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, his passion for the game and his unwavering resolve were evident during Ohio State’s resounding 36-6 victory, according to Sports Illustrated.
Sasso’s coach, who endured his physical hardships after a serious auto accident, mirrored the idea of tenacity and fortitude. Ryan remarked, “His toughness is incredible,” in a statement that NBC4i was able to receive. He consistently stated that he would return to his previous level of performance if possible, a mindset that Sports Illustrated emphasized by showing how Sasso’s regular takedowns helped him win despite being moved up a weight class. Other elite Ohio State wrestlers, meanwhile, recorded noteworthy triumphs, giving the squad a strong start to the dual season and getting them ready for their upcoming matchup with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Sports Illustrated described how Coach Ryan believed there was less than a 2% chance Sasso would return, a year after he was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in critical condition. Sasso, however, had different ideas: “Obviously, wrestling plays a big role in my life. Sasso told WBNS, “I never imagined that this was the end of my career.” The journey of both mentor and athlete through the uncertainties of physical recovery and the pursuit of returning to competitive form was mirrored by his coach’s insight, which was similar to Sasso’s own. Coach Ryan’s 200th dual victory at Ohio State came in the most recent game, a 53-0 thumping, and Ohio leads the series 3-0 versus Edinboro.
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