Feb. 24, 2012
By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Anybody can be successful in life if they encompass each of these attributes, according to former Penn State wrestler Rohan Murphy.
Murphy has dedicated his life to reiterating this message, serving as a motivational speaker and travelling across the country telling his personal story.
His story is not a simple one. From the moment he was born, Murphy was set up to face one of the biggest challenges life could hand him: deformed legs. After seeking the advice of many specialists, Murphy's parents were forced to make the decision to have their son's legs amputated when he was only four.
Since then, Murphy has battled the odds, working hard to overcome his disability. It was not easy, as he continuously found himself facing those who doubted him and what he was capable of. And so, he began to doubt himself.
"I really thought I was cursed," said Murphy, "but I soon found out it wasn't a curse, but a gift."
Murphy will be the first to say he owes this revelation to his middle school gym teacher, Ron Croteau. After asking Murphy to serve as manager for the sports teams, Croteau finally talked him into joining the wrestling team. It was here that Murphy found his inspiration.
After working over the summer to learn as much about wrestling as possible, Murphy entered high school and tried out for the team. During his first year he won only two matches, further driving his eagerness to find success in his new passion.
"I wasn't going to let my disability stop me from winning," said Murphy. "I wanted to show people I could succeed in life and in able-bodied sports. Everyone has a choice in their life to be average, good or great. I wanted to be great. Good was never good enough for me."
With this outlook, Murphy worked hard during the offseason, eagerly looking for ways to improve his skills. All of this paid off as he ended his sophomore season 25-6, a winning record.
Murphy continued to improve following his sophomore year, wrestling all four years of high school. Even with a successful career, however, Murphy went to Penn State not looking to wrestle on the team. It was not until the start of his junior year at the university that he realized something was missing in his life. Wrestling.
After years of competing and finding his inspiration, Murphy decided to try out for the Penn State wrestling team. Head coach Troy Sunderland was not convinced, Murphy recalled. That is, until Murphy took him down in his own office.
Looking back on his high school and college careers in wrestling, Murphy reflects on his drive for perfection. No matter what was thrown at him, he found the will to overcome each obstacle, leading his life with a "no excuses" attitude.
Today, this is what has made him an inspiration too many. Murphy may have hung up his singlet, but he is still finding success in what he does every day. He motivates those who need inspiration.
"Anything is possible with a little hard work, dedication and sacrifice," said Murphy. "Never let someone tell you, you can't do something. There are no excuses. "