Student Nomination Story

Throughout the beginning of my freshman and sophomore years of high school, my confidence was at an all-time low. I didn't talk to many people, I had a hard time socializing and getting my name out to people, and I flat-out wasn't happy. For many years in a row, I had injuries from sports. In eighth grade, I stress fractured my lower spine taking me out for the season and losing my love for the sport. That following summer, I couldn't finish my baseball season due to a little leaguer's elbow which didn't allow me to throw a ball without my elbow throbbing in pain. Just when I thought the injuries were over something bad happened. Snap! Crack! Pop! There went my meniscus. I needed surgery which ended up taking me out of the season my whole freshman year. All of the injuries took a toll on not only my confidence in playing sports but also outside of sports. Turning me into a shy and quiet boy just didn't seem right to me and everyone else. Coach Ferrel, my wrestling coach, is deeply involved in the Arrowhead High School Wrestling program. He coaches our high school wrestling team and also runs the youth program for the little kids. Being surrounded by wrestling, coaching, and even the announcer at the Wisconsin Badger wrestling duals, I knew from the start that he knew what he was doing. Out of all of the sports I played, wrestling was probably one of my least favorites. I struggled my sophomore year and even my junior year with confidence and being the best of my ability. Coach Ferrel knew I had it in me though. It wasn't up until my junior year of wrestling season to where I started to turn for the better. It was about halfway through the season. I had just lost a close conference match and was upset after. Coach Ferrel, the biggest influence in my sports career, pulled me aside. Being a little upset after my loss, he noticed. He said, “Keep your head up.” He looked me right in the eye with the most confident look I've ever seen on someone's face. “You did not work this hard throughout the season to get down on yourself.” Still unsure what to think, I kept my composure and looked at him. He poked me in the chest. “Start believing in yourself, and get aggressive! You can do great things, Dylan. You just have to believe you can,” he exclaimed. This moment stuck with me. I can do great things if I believe in myself. I can start to win matches if I believe in myself. And lastly, I can be a more confident person, if I just believe I can. Coach Ferrel has influenced me to be a better person. He has taught me mental toughness, leadership, and most importantly what I was lacking, my confidence. Thank you, Coach Ferrel.

Dylan Polczynski

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