Suffering a season-ending injury can have a profound impact on someone’s mental well-being. Suffering two season-ending injuries in a span of three years made this kid stronger.

Manhasset senior wrestler Will Russell qualified for the NYSPHSAA Wrestling championship by finishing in second place in the Division I title match on Sunday afternoon at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

Russell suffered a broken thumb in ninth grade, just before the state qualifier. With a chance to make it to states, his season was ripped from his grip due to a freak accident in practice. In his junior season, Russell broke his collarbone. Thanks to a strong support system, he put his head down and got back to an elite level on the mat.

“Last year at Eastern States, I broke my collarbone in the blood round,” Russel said. “That one was tough because I knew right then my season was over and there was nothing I could do. That’s when my mindset shifted from ‘my season’s over’ to ‘let’s get better and make next season even better so this doesn’t happen again.’”

“The first one was hard,” Russell added. “I was young and didn’t really know how to handle it. The second one was a little easier because it wasn’t my first time, and I was more mature. I also had a greater support staff around me. Right after surgery, coach came by my house just to check on me. Having people around me made it a lot easier the second time.”

Manhasset head coach Stephon Sair witnessed Russell grow after both injuries. He’s wrestling more “free” after the setbacks.

“I think after the freshman injury, he was still young,” Sair said. “But after last year’s injury, I saw a big difference coming into this year. He’s competing with more freedom. Injuries can do that — you realize not to take things for granted. This year, he’s wrestling to the best of his ability without the pressure, and it’s made him even better.”

Russell, who entered the weekend as the No. 1 seed, fell to No. 2-seeded, two-time state champion and five-time Nassau County champion Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, 1-0 by decision. Russell qualified for the state championship by finishing second in the County. This loss didn’t lower Russell’s confidence.

“I think it was the least nervous I’ve ever been going into a match,” Russell said. “Obviously, he’s [Sibomana-Rodriguez] good. Everyone was thinking he was going to win, so I had no pressure on me. We’ve been around for the same amount of time, so we all know each other and how we wrestle. I knew what to expect. It’s tough losing 1-0, but it is what it is. You just fix what you can and get better for the next time.”

Sair saw the title match loss in a positive light, saying his performance proved Russell is ready to make a real state-title run.

Source: LI Press