Wrestling may have been part of Liam Daniels family but he didn’t embrace the sport until he was in high school. “My dad and cousin both wrestled in college. I was never really interested in it until I randomly got the urge to wrestle and have never looked back since. I started my sophomore year, which is pretty late considering I’ve been around it my whole life,” said Liam.

Now a senior at Del City High School, Liam recalls the many times people have come up to him saying “hey, you’re that new wrestling kid, you’re pretty good right?” He says getting recognized as part of a historic wrestling program like DCHS feels really good.

He may have started late but Liam has made many memories wrestling. His favorite was winning the Geary tournament. “It is the oldest and one of the hardest tournaments in the nation. Winning that in front of such a big crowd, against such tough opponents felt amazing. Pure bliss,” says Liam.

“Wrestling is unique in that you win and lose by yourself, there’s no blaming anyone else for your mistakes and it pushes me to be the best at what I do. Wins feel a lot more valuable in wrestling than any other sport,” he said.

Wrestlers may compete individually, but there is still a team dynamic building bonds among team members. “The feeling of family, that mutual feeling of doing anything for each other is unmatched,” says Liam.

Liam credits two teammates for helping him become the wrestler he is today.

“Michael McCracken has been my best friend since sophomore year and taught me most stuff I’ve learned. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am,” says Liam. “My current training partner, Deontre Buttram, has pushed me so much in these past few months. I don’t think either of us would be in the positions we are without each other.”

Liam is inspired by his parents. Having wrestled in high school and college, Liam’s dad gives the best advice about wrestling but also about life. “My mom is my biggest supporter. She went through a lot of hardship to become the successful woman she is today and that inspires me every day to make the most of my opportunities,” he says.

Liam thanks his previous coaches, training partners and family. “Each and every one has helped me so much in different ways. Words can’t describe how thankful I am to have such a support group around me,” he said.

The advice Liam gives to others is to keep going. “Starting so late I’ve had my fair share of losses but in keeping a good attitude and staying the course I have become the athlete I am today.”