Coweta Game Day February 2020

there were to be more surgeries, “Can this wait till
after wrestling season?” His mom was not surprised
by his response. “Mason has always had a “Let’s do
this” attitude.”
Mason’s coach at Newnan High School, Eric
Shea, loves his spirited, fiery competitiveness, and
dedication as a member of the wrestling team. Shea,
Head Wrestling Coach added, “Mason is one of the
most competitive guys we have and has an extreme
desire to win. He is very skilled and does not use his
disability as an excuse. He works hard to be the best
he can be, take pride in the success and contributes
to the team.”
Mason maintains a positive attitude regardless of
how he is feeling. “I know that there can be pain
sometimes, but if I push through the pain and hard
times, I know I can achieve my dreams and goals.”
Mason indicated that things have never been easy for
him playing sports growing up. “Holding the football
as a running back on the 9th grade football team was
difficult, but I knew that my teammates depended
on me and that I needed to come through for them.”
Mason says he was pulled towards wrestling, which
he admits he is better at, but loves football more
because it was “different” and “something new.” He
said he has been told his whole life, “You can’t do
that.” This, at times, would make him doubt his
abilities, but he quickly learned that he was able to
overcome any doubts that he may have had.
Mason looks up to and has a great deal of respect
for NFL player, Shaquem Griffin. Griffin too had his
hand amputated at the age of four. This didn’t stop
him from playing football. Griffin was selected 141st
overall in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft by
the Seahawks, where his twin brother Shaquill plays
cornerback.
Mason’s parents have always supported him in
all his sports. “My parents have always given me
everything I need to play sports; I don’t know what I
would do without them. I can always hear my mom
from the stands cheering me on during a wrestling
match, which feels amazing to have her in my
corner.”
When talking about his teammates, Mason gives
them credit for always supporting him. Mason loves
to help others, and contribute to his team in any way
possible. Even during team drills and workouts, he
will find a way to do the exact drill required of his
teammates even though he only has one hand. This
includes resting the weight bar on his single hand
while others lift with two hands.
Don’t underestimate your opponent, you don’t know
their story, but when the match starts you will know
their will to win.