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.