Page 34 - 2020 IHSAA Annual Report

The Story of Gavinn Alstott

But he did not qualify to go to the state finals. “A test in school is like wrestling. You have to
“You’re always going to have your ups and be prepared. If you’re not willing to work hard,
downs,” said Gavinn. “It’s up to you what you you’re not going to get better.”
do with them.”
It’s a philosophy that seems to be working. At
So, where did Gavinn spend the following the end of his junior year, he sported a 4.55
weekend? He still went to Bankers Life cumulative grade point average with an eye
Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, only it was to toward wrestling at an Ivy League school and a
support his two teammates, J.J. Conway at 138 career in engineering.
pounds and Jonathan Kervin, who won the
state crown at 152. Perspective means everything as a high school
athlete, and the quest to be “a champion” can
“I’ll be honest with you,” said Gavinn. “It result in short-term wins at the expense of
was hard. Very hard. It was even a little big picture losses. But that’s not a problem
embarrassing. I was watching people wrestle for Gavinn Alstott. “I can’t let that match
I had defeated earlier in the year. But I had in Evansville define me as a wrestler or as a
to go. Being there for your teammates means person,” said Gavinn. “I’ll have more matches,
everything. We’d been working together all and I’ll use this year as a chance to grow. I still
year long.” (Note: Gavinn had previously think I have the ability to win a state title and
defeated the eventual state champion at a wrestle in college.”
tournament in December).
Gavinn summed up his feelings like this: “If
Regardless of whether it’s in-season or out, you’re a good wrestler but a bad person, it
Gavinn is typically at school an hour before doesn’t matter. Wrestling is teaching me to be
the first bell rings, studying. “He listens. a good person.”
He takes notes. He works hard. Gavinn is a
tremendous example that it’s possible to do Good teammate. Good student. Good person.
both—to be a good athlete and a good student,” Gavinn Alstott has redefined what it means to
said Brandon Sisson, his wrestling coach. be a champion!

“Wrestling has taught me so many lessons
about hard work and discipline,” said Gavinn.

As his grandmother and
grandfather would attest,
serve Gavinn grilled salmon,
half a baked potato and some
vegetables at dinnertime, and
he’s a happy (and healthy) man.

34 INDIANA HIGH S CHOOL A THLE TIC ASS OCIA TION Annual Report 2020