In journalism or public talking class, the professor opens with the 5 “Ws” and the way they apply to make sure your “lead” incorporates the who, what, when, the place, and why.
In David Murphy’s case – he may at all times add a sixth element to the combo – wrestling.
Murphy is a three-year senior captain on the Scituate wrestling crew within the 150-pound division and simply acquired discover he can be ranked No. 2 on this yr’s South Sectional Finals behind Anthony Mann (Hanover), the two-time defending state champion at 145 earlier than the burden class modifications this season.
Murphy’s record of accomplishments for the Sailors are spectacular. Murphy gained the South Sectionals at 152 in 2023, positioned second within the Div. 3 State Finals, and presently sits at 30-4 in his last spin on the mat. Murphy was acknowledged as a Patriot League All-Star the final two seasons and will declare the trifecta in nominations at season’s finish as effectively.
But it isn’t the highlight in the course of the gymnasium that has the tony city of Scituate buzzing. It is Murphy’s penchant for giving again and he lists it as his high achievement and motivator in life. Helping others is the true “why” within the lead paragraph of David Murphy’s path on and off the wrestling mat.
“One of the biggest lessons my parents instilled in me was when I was in elementary school. You can go into something and say you don’t like it but if you don’t give 100% then that’s not right. Going into life with that mentality, I’ve taken it to heart,” stated Murphy. “I always try to give it my all because in the end whether it is school, life or wrestling – when you put in the work, see results, and improve – you enjoy it and you love it even more. My parents had a massive influence in that mentality and have always been there when things were tough.”
While rising up in Scituate could have its benefits, issues didn’t at all times come straightforward for the four-year varsity wrestling champion, however he credit his dad and mom being current and his first highschool head coach, Kevin King. Murphy began late within the sport of wrestling and when his freshman yr ended 0-10 in matches in the course of the pandemic season, it was time to return to the drafting board.
“I consider myself someone internally driven. I’m kind of a perfectionist and I expect to do everything right. Obviously, I cannot do everything well,” stated Murphy. “But I put my nose to the grindstone. Coach King should get a lot of the credit, the people in the room, great captains that year who helped me step up my game. It was a big jump year-to-year and one of the most important for me in my development in the sport and just learning from my mistakes.”
Murphy’s winless begin to his profession solely supplied extra motivation to excel. Murphy is a rockstar within the classroom as a high three pupil with a 4.5 weighted GPA but stays grounded even after Superintendent William Burkhead requested Murphy to kick off the college yr with a speech to the Scituate college employees the place he riveted the room along with his poise and keenness. Murphy left the venue on day one in every of his senior yr to a standing ovation.
In January, Murphy gained the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy speech contest for the state of Massachusetts that had over 3,000 candidates. Murphy would be the sole consultant for the state on March 2 in Washington, D.C. for the nationwide award journey.
For the state winners, the champions parade can be adopted by a four-day tour of the nation’s capital whereas the judges from the VFW pour over the 53 recordings of speeches despatched in for this prestigious honor to be named National Champion.
“It’s a personality thing – David just strives for greatness in the classroom or the mat. Second place does not work for him,” stated first-year Scituate head coach, Sean Petrosino. “He has so much drive and it is impressive to see. We had grade checks during the season and kids struggle, some do well. David is not only our best wrestler, but also a straight-A student and when I announced his grades to everyone, he just smiled during the explosion of applause and congratulations and just started to work.”
“It’s intrinsic motivation. He doesn’t need external motivation. We spoke of values, and he was the one to say first that everyone should be in a shirt and tie for game day,” added Petrosino. “The approach he speaks could be very giving, picks up a teammate and units the tone for this system – college students first. Really units the tone for what this program is and with David, you don’t simply get by with Cs and Bs – he units the usual increased. It’s what we anticipate, and he does all the proper issues.
Scituate principal Mark Loranger, who could know a couple of tips of the commerce with reversals, holds, and takedowns, didn’t hesitate when requested about Murphy’s general impression for the college.
“David Murphy is a special student athlete. He is currently taking six advanced placement courses and what separates David is his desire to succeed,” stated Loranger, who retired as head coach of Plymouth South after 27 years in this system and is a member of the Massachusetts High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in addition to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “As a wrestler, he is very difficult to score on, which is an important ingredient when competing at the state level. David is one of the finest student athletes to ever walk the halls of Scituate High School.”
Murphy mentions wrestling as essentially the most humble sport as a result of everytime you win, you win massive. When you lose, you possibly can take it personally. Murphy’s love for the game encourages his sense of private accountability and helps him maintain himself accountable.
“When you are one-on-one – you can’t be on anything else except for yourself. I must hold myself to my own mistakes – in school as a student, as well as in wrestling – especially when you are doing the work but don’t want to and dreading the tasks to make yourself great,” stated Murphy, who has been granted early acceptance to Notre Dame, however nonetheless contemplating a number of robust alternatives.
“Wrestling helps build me as a person and student athlete and I think in those aspects of my life they compliment each other very well.”
He would possibly as effectively have been the scholar and the professor as he weaved via the speech titled, “What is Your Why” for Burkhead and his employees. Right earlier than the standing ovation to start out his last yr in Scituate, Murphy ended with the right quote to summarize what he has been doing to make the world a greater place.
“Because I want to be in a place where my actions can impact the most people possible. So, what motivates me? My capacity to give back because in the end it is not the opportunity that matters – it is what I make of it,” stated Murphy.
Source: www.bostonherald.com