Comp student's passion pays off

Date: 3/9/2010

March 10, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE -- Since he was nine years old, wrestling has been part of his life.

Actually, Dylan Casey told Reminder Publications, "Wrestling is my life."

His dedication to the sport has paid off for Casey, as he recently became the first high school wrestler from Chicopee to make the All Western Massachusetts level last month.

Casey wrestles in the 215-pound weight class for the team that represents both Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

The Chicopee Comprehensive student, though, is more than just a wrestler. He has actively advocated for the creation of a wrestling program in the city.

Casey started wrestling at age nine and he said at first he thought he'd be leaping off the ropes likes the wrestlers he had seen on television. He soon learned that wasn't the case and began participating in youth leagues.

He called wrestling a sport in which one contestant "physically dominates" another. Casey added it is "a physically demanding sport, a tough sport" and said it attracted him because when competing, wrestlers are "showing all their hard work."

"Everyone is watching you," he explained.

Although he is currently a senior, Casey said because of his academic record he will have to repeat his final year OF high school. He is seeking a waiver to allow him to wrestle on the high school level one more season.

He said because the program is so young, he and several other seasoned wrestlers have helped with the coaching.

Casey intends to wrestle on the college level and said it is "a big priority."

To the people who know him, it comes as no surprise Casey said he would like to pursue a career as a wrestling coach.