Cool Story Bro

Submitted by Double-D on April 30th, 2024 at 10:22 PM

I was in Ann Arbor today for work and I was at Chipotle, on S. State St, with a couple of colleagues. One from Columbus.

I was standing in line behind Mason Parris and introduced myself.  My Dad wrestled for Cliff Keen in the 60s so we shared some wrestling small talk.

I congratulated him and wished him well in the Olympics. What a neat guy with a humble demeanor. Not unusual for a wrestler.

Wow what an imposing presence he has.  He is  just ripped at 6’3” 285lbs.

Gold medal by early August and DL rotation by fall camp?

WrestlingCoach

May 1st, 2024 at 7:33 AM ^

Pretty rare, both from such a small town, always thought it was cool. Had the pleasure of being coached by Adam's dad at Olivet's camp 3 years back in the day, awesome guy and amazing advocate for the sport. Met Adam at the MWA Coach's Clinic one year, he spoke about his world championship and was kind enough to personalize an autograph for my son. His dad spoke after him and said something that has always resonated with me as a coach, "Wrestling is a father-son sport, but also a fatherless son sport." It could not be more true, kids without their fathers really gravitate to the sport and the level of discipline and structure it provides them, and as coaches we cannot fail those kids. Awesome family!

Double-D

May 1st, 2024 at 1:02 AM ^

He had a big bowl. I’m sure a guy his size has no trouble buying calories during an Olympic wrestling workout.

I had the pleasure of touring the Ralph Bahna Wrestling Center a few years ago with my Dad.  It’s a pretty incredible place and one of only two stand alone wrestling facilities in the country.

I’m curious if this is where he is working out. Coon would be a natural partner but Greco and Freestyle are so different. I think we have five UofM grads on teams. 

https://mgoblue.com/sports/2017/6/16/facilities-wrestling-center-html

Double-D

May 1st, 2024 at 4:41 PM ^

I started freestyle at the age of 6 and competed through high school. 

My Dad started the 1st USWF sanctioned freestyle tournaments in Michigan and was the 1st Michigan USWF chairman for a time.

Back then there were just a few tournaments. Tournaments and participation blossomed under him. He worked with high school coaches setting up tournaments all around the state. He ran and helped set up clinics and brought other coaches in to teach  

As I’m sure you are aware Michigan is one of the top talent producing states in the country.  It all starts young. 

2 Walter Smith

May 1st, 2024 at 12:21 AM ^

I love to hear these kids of anecdotes.  Thanks for sharing, Double-D.  The board should encourage, not discourage, these kinds of posts.  Excited to watch him in the Olympics.  Hail!

Other Andrew

May 1st, 2024 at 1:08 AM ^

Just being back in Ann Arbor for work is cool already. Meeting a champion even better. 
It’s been many years since I’ve been back so I wonder about the Chipotle aspect. Are all the local burrito joints I enjoyed as a student closed now? 🌯