Muleskinner

Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Sports

Commentary: Nate Taylor [Click to enlarge]

He's an athlete you've probably never seen. He's 184 pounds of lean muscle and is full of energy. The crazy thing is, if you saw him on campus, you probably wouldn't know his name.

Let me introduce senior wrestler Jeremy Hudson. His record this season is an impressive 23-13.

After most of the 3,500 fans left the Multipurpose Building after the Mules' basketball game Saturday, it was time for Hudson to enter.

It was Senior Night; the last night. When Hudson was introduced to the home crowd for the final time, he got the loudest cheer of the five seniors on the team.

The night was his, and he knew it.

"Senior Night is supposed to be a big night," Hudson said. "There are always fans, but I wish we had more duals here."

Hudson waited all night for his dual. He paced back and forth, with his head down, thinking. He visualized everything he could think of.

It was now time for his final show at the Multi, and the audience of about 150 knew it.

Hudson's introduction music was Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." It's only fitting. He shook Fort Hays' sophomore Shawn Kuhlman's hand and got into position. Kuhlman had no idea what was about to hit him.

The whistle blew and it was time. Hudson got on top of Kuhlman and swung him down on the mat for the first take down. He attacked his legs like a bull for another take down with a 4-2 lead.

After four minutes Hudson had a 6-4 lead with just two minutes to go.

That's the weird thing about wrestling. You only get six minutes to beat your opponent. It's not like boxing, where you get 12 rounds.

Hudson had to take a final shot to seal the deal. He dove and grabbed Kuhlman's legs and threw him to the ground one last time. The clock buzzed, and it was over. The referee raised his hand; it was Hudson's final moment.

Coach Robin Ersland summed it up best for Hudson Saturday.

"You always want the seniors to go out with a win," Ersland said. "I have to remind myself that he has come a long way. He is the most improved guy we've had in a four-year program in a long time. He's really made himself into a wrestler."

Although this will be special for Hudson, he realizes only a select few got to see him.

"Not a lot of people know," Hudson said. "I just wanted to go out there, and the fans here wanted to see me win."

This is the beauty of sports.

Some athletes don't need the crowd, the awards or the publicity. They only care about winning and the desire to compete.

Sometimes I forget how special sports are.

Maybe after last week's column, when I found myself saddened by the Jennies' performance, I forgot what really mattered and why I became a sports fan in the first place.

Watching Hudson opened my eyes again.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools