A message of acceptance, determination and dedication resonated in the ears of Accompsett Middle Schoolers last Friday. On March 4th, American Paralympian wrestler and motivational speaker, Rohan Murphy spoke to eighth graders, about the struggles of his childhood.
Murphy, who was born without legs, described his affliction, wearing prosthetic legs, dreaming of playing sports and wanting to be like every other child in school. Then in the eighth grade, a wrestling coach suggested Murphy try out for the sport. “Everything changed for me because of that one teacher, the one coach who believed in me,” -Rohan Murphy
After deciding to try out for the sport and determine to not let a disability hold him back, vigorous training and preparation paid off. His freshman year at East Islip High School, Rohan Murphy made the wrestling team. He continued to apply his dedication and hard work throughout his high school years and onto college, where he wrestled for Penn State University. Murphy became a three-time All-League, two-time All-County wrestler and earned three varsity letters at Penn State. Later, the wrestler founded CatchSpark.com, an inspirational networking community. In 2011 Murphy became a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year fundraising campaign.
“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something… We all have to deal with struggle; if you’re dealt a bad hand, it doesn’t mean you fold.” – Rohan Murphy American Paralympian Wrestler, Motivational Speaker
Rohan Murphy met with members of the wrestling team at Accompsett after the special assembly.