Wrestling: The Disney Dream

The Penn Wrestling Team usually takes one or two teams to Orlando, Fla.,  for The Disney Duals every year.

Battling tough competition on a national level in the summer is designed to help the Kingsmen build a strong competitive team in the winter to chase IHSAA gold.

Penn’s Vince Sparrow and Jeffrey Harper won All-America status at Disney.

Disney was about more than individual honors.

“(Disney Duals) means coming together as a Team, and Family and to compete and break down other teams,” said Logan Hill, a state qualifier last season

Disney Duals are also helping Hill work toward one of his goals. Hill wants to coach, and the more experience he gains, particularly at elite events like Disney, will help him give back to the sport.

Penn Wrestling Coach Brad Harper said that he wants his student-athletes to improve, but also have great experiences.

“Our mission is to expose as many kids to a very unique trip, that teaches discipline, character, respect, sportsmanship and finally domination,” Harper said. “It’s a great trip for us as a program, where we can bring parents and wrestlers together for a week and be closer as one big wrestling family.”

What does it mean to Harper to have his wrestlers evolve at a national event?

“It means everything to our program,” Harper said. “Our mission to us is make all of our wrestlers be an all-round better person and to be ready to become a great person and help others and help others in life.”