A Champion in Life

by Lynn Oeser

Not all champions leave the competition with a medal. Most recently at the North Carolina 4A Mideast High School Regional Wrestling Championships I witnessed an athlete that conducted himself with such class and indomitable spirit that I am inspired to laud his actions to everyone I meet.

The wrestlerƒs name is Kevin Fields, a 160 lb senior at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, NC. Last year, in the 1999 Regionals, Kevin eliminated his opponent, Josh Howes, of Leesville Road High School. During the 1999-2000 season Fields defeated Howes once again.

On February 19, 2000 at the Mideast Regionals, the tables turned and it was Josh who won. The match eliminated Fields from the competition and all hope of ever competing in the High School State Championships.

Just prior to the next round, Howesƒ parents pointed out that Fields had taken to the practice mat one last time. There was Kevin Fields on the mat drilling and warming up his former opponent, Howes, in preparation for his (Howesƒ) next match! What a splendid display of grace, maturity and spirit of play was shown by this young man. The ability to quickly let go of oneƒs disappointment and encourage another is rare indeed, and in one so young , extraordinary.

Robert Ingersoll once said, ø The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.Ó Kevin Fields is a class act. Millbrook High School is fortunate to have such an individual in its midst. I believe that Kevin will be a beacon to anyone that he meets in this life.

Kevin Fields, youƒre a true champion.

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