PENNSYLVANIA, USA — West Perry sophomore Hayden Quaker finds it hard to find anything that has gotten in the way of his passion for wrestling.
The high school athlete was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at birth, which is a complex defect that has limited his mobility.
"A very complex surgery was needed to fix my back and try to reattach some nerves," explained Quaker. "I'm blessed to have the capabilities I'm able to today."
Those capabilities include competing for the Mustangs in the 107 and 114-pound wrestling divisions. While Quaker's techniques may vary in how he practices, it's all business once he hits the mat.
"The reason I'm able to walk is because I can control my quads and hamstrings," said Quaker. "I can't use my calves or my glutes, so it makes it more difficult, but it’s building off my strengths and trying to work on my weaknesses."
Quaker has continued to progress on the wrestling mat, and whether he recognizes it or not, his drive is an inspiration to his team.
"He doesn’t use any excuses," said head coach Zachary Knell. "They come up and are battling adversities, and to see someone like Hayden battling and working, it’s huge for them."
Part of what has made Hayden so strong may be pinpointed to him being the youngest of four brothers. All of his older siblings were athletes themselves at West Perry and served as inspirations and role models for their younger brother.
"If it weren’t for my brothers, I wouldn’t still be wrestling, let alone have ever wrestled," said Quaker "Looking up in the stands, getting ready to wrestle and seeing my whole family there is encouraging and motivating."
As he’s carving out a path of his own, there is no shortage of goals he hopes to reach; Quaker intends to keep improving on the mat, one match at a time.
"I've tried to work harder and not see my disability as something that is going to drag me down," declared Quaker. "I'm very lucky God put me in this position to be the best version of myself and to keep going."