Young wrestling sensation celebrates 300th career win
Kieran Coffey
Sun Sports Contributor
NORWICH – A nine-year-old wrestler from the Gladiator School of Wrestling (GSW) – based out of Norwich – and living in Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, is taking the country by storm.
John Drapaniotis earned his 300th career win at the Terminator Championship on Saturday, March 11.
Drapaniotis, who started wrestling at the tender age of four, has worked his way up to being ranked number one in the 85-pound bracket for 9-10 year old’s in New York State. On the way to that immense accomplishment, he has won many major tournaments, including four New York State Championships, and becoming the Pop and Flow National Champion.
Last October, Drapaniotis won the National United Wrestling Association for Youth Freak Show of amateur wrestling, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur wrestling. Drapaniotis took first place in the under 8, 78-pound bracket. He became just the second New York State youth wrestler to ever accomplish the feat.
When asked what has helped to hone his skills and helped him to achieve so much success in his young career, Drapaniotis said, “Gladiator and Norwich support and wrestling camps, as well as YMCA boot camp workout classes. Also, doing things outside, like riding a bike up and down hills, paratroopers, swim lessons at the YMCA, and having good partners and coaches to practice with.”
Talking about what fuels his drive to compete, Drapaniotis said, “I feel joy, happiness, and more complete (when I’m on the mat).”
Drapaniotis said that his 300th win just means that he is one step closer to his dream.
Looking towards the future, Drapaniotis has some big ambitions.
“(I want to) become an architect and an Olympic Champion,” said Drapaniotis. “And a UFC Champion.”
For now though, he will remain focused on his favorite thing about wrestling, ‘having his hand raised at the end of a match, and making everybody proud and happy.’
“I love the sport (of wrestling) and I think it makes me better in life. I keep coming back because I try to stay in number one,” said Drapaniotis. “I would like to thank my coaches, my wrestling buddies, my dad, and Steve Spratley for believing in me.”
Sun Sports Contributor
NORWICH – A nine-year-old wrestler from the Gladiator School of Wrestling (GSW) – based out of Norwich – and living in Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, is taking the country by storm.
John Drapaniotis earned his 300th career win at the Terminator Championship on Saturday, March 11.
Drapaniotis, who started wrestling at the tender age of four, has worked his way up to being ranked number one in the 85-pound bracket for 9-10 year old’s in New York State. On the way to that immense accomplishment, he has won many major tournaments, including four New York State Championships, and becoming the Pop and Flow National Champion.
Last October, Drapaniotis won the National United Wrestling Association for Youth Freak Show of amateur wrestling, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur wrestling. Drapaniotis took first place in the under 8, 78-pound bracket. He became just the second New York State youth wrestler to ever accomplish the feat.
When asked what has helped to hone his skills and helped him to achieve so much success in his young career, Drapaniotis said, “Gladiator and Norwich support and wrestling camps, as well as YMCA boot camp workout classes. Also, doing things outside, like riding a bike up and down hills, paratroopers, swim lessons at the YMCA, and having good partners and coaches to practice with.”
Talking about what fuels his drive to compete, Drapaniotis said, “I feel joy, happiness, and more complete (when I’m on the mat).”
Drapaniotis said that his 300th win just means that he is one step closer to his dream.
Looking towards the future, Drapaniotis has some big ambitions.
“(I want to) become an architect and an Olympic Champion,” said Drapaniotis. “And a UFC Champion.”
For now though, he will remain focused on his favorite thing about wrestling, ‘having his hand raised at the end of a match, and making everybody proud and happy.’
“I love the sport (of wrestling) and I think it makes me better in life. I keep coming back because I try to stay in number one,” said Drapaniotis. “I would like to thank my coaches, my wrestling buddies, my dad, and Steve Spratley for believing in me.”
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