High School Teammates and Wrestlers "Carry On"

Summary

The video script tells the inspiring story of high school wrestlers d'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton, whose friendship transcends their physical challenges. d'Artagnan, legally blind, carries Leroy, who has no legs, to every wrestling match and practice. Despite their hardships, including homelessness and Leroy's life-changing accident, they support each other, striving for academic and athletic success. Their bond is a testament to resilience and the power of friendship, culminating in a poignant graduation moment where d'Artagnan walks beside Leroy, who uses prosthetic legs.

Takeaways

• 🤼‍♂️ D'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton are inseparable wrestling partners at Lincoln West High School in Cleveland, with D'Artagnan carrying Leroy to every match due to Leroy's physical disability.
• 🏆 Leroy, despite having no lower body, uses his upper-body strength and technique to excel in wrestling, winning nine matches by pinning his opponents.
• 🚂 Leroy's disability is the result of a tragic train accident in 2001, which led to the amputation of both his legs and a life of rehabilitation and adaptation.
• 💪 D'Artagnan, who is legally blind due to Lieber's disease, does not let his visual impairment define him and carries himself with strength and determination.
• 👥 The two wrestlers support each other both on and off the mat, dealing with personal challenges and helping each other navigate through life's difficulties.
• 🏫 D'Artagnan has faced homelessness and food scarcity, while Leroy lives in a house without ramps, making it challenging for him to move around in a wheelchair.
• 🎓 Both D'Artagnan and Leroy are determined to graduate from a school with a low graduation rate, with graduation being a significant goal for them.
• 🥇 D'Artagnan finished the wrestling season with a 26-3 record, becoming a league champion, showcasing his dedication and skill in the sport.
• 🎉 On graduation night, Leroy walked on prosthetic legs for the first time, symbolizing a new chapter in his life with D'Artagnan walking beside him.
• 👫 Their friendship is a testament to overcoming adversity and the power of support, as they have carried each other both literally and metaphorically throughout their journey.
• 🔄 The story of D'Artagnan and Leroy demonstrates resilience, the importance of friendship, and the ability to rise above personal challenges to achieve one's goals.

Q & A

What is the relationship between d'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton?

d'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton are senior wrestlers at Lincoln West High School in Cleveland. They are inseparable friends and teammates, with d'Artagnan carrying Leroy, who has no lower body, to and from every wrestling match.

How did Leroy Sutton lose his lower body?

Leroy Sutton lost his lower body in a tragic accident that occurred on a set of train tracks in Akron, Ohio, in 2001 when he was 11 years old. His backpack got caught by a passing car, pulling him under the train.

What physical challenges does d'Artagnan Crockett face?

d'Artagnan Crockett is legally blind due to a condition called Lieber's disease, which causes acute visual loss. He has been severely nearsighted his entire life and has difficulty reading and recognizing objects from a distance.

How does Leroy Sutton's wrestling technique differ from others?

Leroy Sutton compensates for his lack of lower body by using his lower center of gravity and developed upper-body strength. His technique involves grabbing, holding, and squeezing his opponents as hard as he can to pin them down.

What is the significance of d'Artagnan and Leroy's friendship in their wrestling careers?

Their friendship goes beyond the wrestling mat, as they are each other's competitive constants and support systems. They practice together, share school life, and help each other overcome personal challenges, which strengthens their bond and performance in wrestling.

What personal challenges has d'Artagnan faced outside of wrestling?

Outside of wrestling, d'Artagnan has faced instability in his living situation, having to move multiple times within the past three years due to financial constraints and at times having to scavenge for food.

How does Leroy Sutton's living situation impact his daily life?

Leroy Sutton lives in a house without any ramps, making it difficult for him to navigate in a wheelchair. However, the presence of a friend to help out makes his life a bit easier.

What was d'Artagnan's wrestling record for the season mentioned in the script?

d'Artagnan finished the season with a record of 26 wins and 3 losses, competing at 189 pounds, and ended the season as a league champion.

How many matches did Leroy Sutton win during the wrestling season described in the script?

Leroy Sutton won nine matches during the wrestling season, with the majority of his victories coming from pinning his opponents.

What was the graduation rate at Lincoln West High School when the script was written?

The graduation rate at Lincoln West High School was roughly 40 percent when the script was written.

What was the emotional significance of Leroy Sutton walking at graduation?

The emotional significance of Leroy Sutton walking at graduation was profound, as it represented overcoming his physical limitations and achieving a personal goal. It was also a moment of shared achievement and pride for both Leroy and d'Artagnan, who had supported him throughout the year.

Outlines

00:00

🏋️‍♂️ Unwavering Friendship and Wrestling Spirit

This paragraph tells the story of d'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton, two high school wrestlers from Lincoln West High School in Cleveland. D'Artagnan, despite being legally blind due to Lieber's disease, carries his friend Leroy, who has no lower body, on his back to every wrestling match. The narrative highlights their extraordinary bond, Leroy's strength and technique in wrestling, and the life-altering accident that led to his disability. It also touches on d'Artagnan's resilience in the face of his visual impairment and the shared suffering and partnership that define their wrestling journey.

05:01

🤼‍♂️ Overcoming Adversity Together

The second paragraph delves deeper into the personal struggles of these two athletes. It reveals d'Artagnan's challenges with homelessness and Leroy's life in a wheelchair-unfriendly house. Despite their hardships, they find strength in their friendship and mutual support, both on and off the wrestling mat. The paragraph also emphasizes their competitive spirit, with d'Artagnan winning a league championship and Leroy earning nine victories by pinning his opponents. Their determination extends beyond wrestling, as they aim to graduate from a school with a low graduation rate, showcasing their commitment to education and personal growth.

10:02

🎓 A Symbolic Walk to Commencement

The final paragraph concludes the story with a poignant moment at graduation. Leroy, who has been fitted with prosthetic legs, walks alongside d'Artagnan for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their friendship. The narrative captures the emotional significance of this event, as d'Artagnan reflects on the privilege and honor of supporting Leroy in receiving his diploma. The story ends on a hopeful note, suggesting a new chapter in their lives, with the underlying message that friendship and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Keywords

💡Inseparable

The term 'inseparable' describes the close and unbreakable bond between D'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton. They are always together, supporting each other through every challenge, illustrating the theme of unwavering friendship and teamwork.

💡Wrestling

Wrestling is a central activity in the video, representing both a sport and a metaphor for life's challenges. D'Artagnan and Leroy's involvement in wrestling highlights their physical and emotional strength, their resilience, and the powerful bond they share as teammates.

💡Disability

Disability is a significant theme, as both D'Artagnan and Leroy face physical challenges. Leroy lost his legs in a train accident, while D'Artagnan is legally blind. Their disabilities are not presented as limitations but as aspects of their identities that they overcome with determination and mutual support.

💡Friendship

Friendship is a core theme, exemplified by the strong relationship between D'Artagnan and Leroy. Their friendship goes beyond the wrestling mat, as they support each other in their daily lives, demonstrating the impact of true companionship.

💡Resilience

Resilience is depicted through the characters' ability to overcome significant hardships. Leroy's recovery from his accident and D'Artagnan's management of his visual impairment show their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

💡Adversity

Adversity refers to the various challenges and hardships faced by D'Artagnan and Leroy, including physical disabilities and difficult living conditions. Their ability to confront and overcome these obstacles is a testament to their resilience and determination.

💡Graduation

Graduation symbolizes a major milestone and a new chapter in D'Artagnan and Leroy's lives. It represents their academic achievements and personal growth, culminating in a powerful moment of accomplishment and transition.

💡Support

Support is a recurring theme, illustrated by D'Artagnan physically carrying Leroy and their mutual emotional and motivational support. This concept underscores the importance of having someone to rely on during tough times.

💡Challenges

Challenges encompass the various difficulties that D'Artagnan and Leroy face, including their physical disabilities and socioeconomic struggles. The video highlights how they confront these challenges with courage and perseverance.

💡Perseverance

Perseverance is demonstrated by the continuous effort and determination shown by D'Artagnan and Leroy. Despite numerous obstacles, they persist in their goals, exemplifying the theme of never giving up.

Highlights

D'Artagnan Crockett and Leroy Sutton, senior wrestlers at Lincoln West High School, are an inseparable team.

D'Artagnan lifts Leroy, who weighs over 170 pounds, onto his back for every match and event.

Leroy's wrestling technique involves using his upper-body strength to compensate for his lack of lower body.

Leroy's life was profoundly impacted by a train accident at age 11, resulting in the amputation of both legs.

Leroy's determination led him to build his arm muscles and move around without a wheelchair.

D'Artagnan and Leroy's first meeting at Lincoln West High School was as wrestling practice partners.

D'Artagnan's strength was almost unbelievable to Leroy, who found a powerful practice partner in him.

Wrestling is described as a sport of shared suffering, requiring a partner for intense practice and competition.

D'Artagnan and Leroy's friendship extends beyond wrestling, as they are together in various school activities.

D'Artagnan is legally blind due to Lieber's disease, a condition causing acute visual loss.

Despite his visual impairment, D'Artagnan does not seek help or pity and views his condition as a challenge.

Both D'Artagnan and Leroy face significant life challenges outside of wrestling, including unstable housing and physical limitations.

Their shared struggles and determination in wrestling and life have created a deep bond between D'Artagnan and Leroy.

D'Artagnan won 26 matches and became a league champion, competing at 189 pounds.

Leroy, wrestling in multiple weight classes, won nine matches, mostly by pinning his opponents.

Both athletes aimed to earn a diploma from a school with a graduation rate of about 40 percent.

Leroy's goal was to walk across the graduation stage, which he achieved with the help of prosthetic legs.

D'Artagnan walked beside Leroy during graduation, marking a significant moment in their friendship.

The story of D'Artagnan and Leroy demonstrates the power of friendship and determination in overcoming life's challenges.

Transcripts

[Music]

through it all what would you do for a

friend

[Music]

at Lincoln West High School Cleveland

senior wrestlers d'artagnan Crockett and

Leroy Sutton are a team of their own

inseparable joined together at more than

the hip d'Artagnan has lifted Leroy onto

his back and carried him to and from

every match on and off every bus into

and out of every gym this past season at

more than 170 pounds Leroy is not a

light load as often as people turn when

d'Artagnan walks by with another

wrestler on his back they stopped cold

reliever hits the mat

[Applause]

it's like some type of power it's like

it just rushes through me I get the

feeling like my hands sometimes shake so

I like to sit them on the mat for a

second

leveling back out and then getting my

stands don't touch me don't get near me

cuz I will show you my strength

[Applause]

with virtually no lower body he

compensates by using his lower center of

gravity and grew upper-body strength his

technique is I just want to grab you

hold on to you put you on your back and

squeeze as hard as I can you know that's

the kind of wrestle that he is while

wrestling is a test for Leroy much of

life has been a trial the one that

shaped his body if not his life came on

a set of train tracks in Akron Ohio in

2001 when he was 11 years old it just

comes back comes back was rocks and

gravel

and I kind of just slipped and kind of

just went under I was just standing at

the Sun the whole time I was not trying

to look down because that's when I would

have panicked

his backpack caught by one of the

passing cars Leroy was pulled beneath

the train

as XY

that's all I did the whole time I was

the hospital this asked why why every

night I could not go to sleep

when I try to go to sleep I'd end up

hearing the sound of a train I just

walked me back up his left leg was

amputated below the knee his right leg

below the him Leroy spent grueling hours

in rehabilitation those hours changed

his body above the waist as well when I

finally built my arm muscles up I did

not want my chair I did not want to be

in my chair that's why I move around on

my arms a lot that ability to move to

lift and flip and twist his body led him

to wrestling after transferring to

Lincoln West just last year Leroy's

first practice partner was the only

wrestler powerful enough to handle him

d'artagnan he was a complete powerhouse

like the first time I rested him his

strength is almost unbelievable I've

never wrestled anyone it's stronger so

being as strong as I am

wrestling is a sport of shared suffering

its techniques developed in pain its

mastery

through exhaustion practice requires

more than a teammate it demands a

partner day after day month after month

as practice partners d'Artagnan and

Leroy grappled with each other all

season long each the others competitive

constant and the competition connected

them in a way that went beyond the mat

they were together everywhere down

school hallways in the weight room on

team bus rides together because they

share more than a sport for the teammate

who carried Leroy on his back all season

knows something about challenges come

where I'm sitting I can just barely make

gotcha facial features how far away am i

from you four or five feet son like that

d'Artagnan is legally blind born with

Lieber's disease a condition that causes

acute visual loss d'Artagnan has been

severely nearsighted his entire life

[Music]

watch I look refined I can't really read

the words on it when I get closer to the

book school I see certain buildings that

I recognize they let me know and I'm

getting closer I really don't know

exactly what building I just know the

shape and the color

he places texts just inches from his

face in order to read in class

interpreting a black border following a

computer screen is a test in itself

sometimes I get someone to let us mixed

up because I can't quite fit I usually

make out a some words by the shape of

the word nothing about him ever gives

you the hint that he has a disability he

doesn't allow anyone to know that about

himself the way he carries himself and

he doesn't ask for any type of help or

pity because of it I'm just saying it as

a challenge to like God is a bit like

giving me and like seeing how I'm going

to react to this challenge

where I want to let it make me the

person I am today or just let it break

me the wrestler with no legs being

carried by the one who can't see

as improbable a pair as they are

d'Artagnan and Leroy share more than the

ride together outside school life's been

easy for neither for most of his time at

Lincoln d'Artagnan has not had any

steady place to call home there have

been times that I'd have to like just

scavenge house for food because he have

so little I've moved about five or six

times within the past three years some

cases because like we didn't have the

money

as for Leroy he lives in a house without

any rims a hard place to navigate for

someone in a wheelchair although it

doesn't stop it's easier though when a

friend is there to help out or just

hanging

and that's what Leroy and d'Artagnan

have done all years we don't really let

anything get to us you just do whatever

you can like make life a little bit

easier take it one take it one step at a

time the one place they don't laugh is

in competition entering gyms all season

their intensity was mutual and menacing

every time d'Artagnan wrestled Leroy sat

on the edge of the mat it's almost like

having my brother there I occasionally

have them someone I know I can trust you

know who's going to be there this season

d'Artagnan won again and began competing

at 189 pounds the wrestler who only see

shadows on the man finish 26 and three

ending the season as a league champion

as for Leroy the matches were tougher

and the winds farther don't do it it's

more likely that I will punch you in the

face didn't like sit here and cry a lot

of people go all like don't do that I

don't like pity at all

wrestling in multiple weight classes

this season Leroy won nine matches the

majority by pinning his opponents as

hard as each worked on the mat this

season they both wanted to cross a stage

as the year closed both determined to

earn a diploma from a school with a

graduation rate of roughly 40 percent my

goal was to like walk across the stage

and it still is to actually walk across

the stage and I'm like still I still

want to do that 2009 graduates

on the final night of the school year at

Lincoln West graduation night d'Artagnan

and Leroy each had one more walk to make

for Leroy a walk upon prosthetic legs he

was fitted for just this spring what

would you do for a friend a friend you

carried all year long

Leroy Sutton you'd put him down and walk

his side

and the first time I met him I've been

carrying him from point A to B the C

graduation tonight is the first time I

finally got to walk beside him it was a

privilege it was the honor to be the one

to walk with him to help him to help him

walk and get his diploma

and I kept my promise to myself

[Music]

there's nothing that this man shouldn't

write makes me can I do

leave proving that time and time again

[Music]

meant so much to me and no I have a

friend that was there to catch me when I

was stumbling

[Music]

this is only a new chapter readers turn

the page

[Music]