Every year since he joined the CESJDS wrestling team as a freshman, R.J. Firestone has looked forward to the wrestling season. This year, however, Firestone was not able to participate due to a shoulder injury which he sustained over the summer at wrestling camp at the University of Virginia.

Though he could not take part in matches, Firestone remained committed to the team. He did this by keeping score during matches, lending him a new, though less involved, perspective on the sport.

“It is interesting, I can definitely see what’s going better, but other than that it is kind of boring,” Firestone said.

Firestone also went to conditioning practices throughout the season, which were more fitness-oriented rather than specific to wrestling. He did a full workout at these practices, but avoided using his shoulder. For example, when the team did push-ups, Firestone did squats. Wrestling Coach Lee Lloyd was very impressed with Firestone’s dedication.

“He had tremendous commitment to the team,” Lloyd said.”There was never a doubt about his commitment, and about what he would do.”

Additionally, Firestone gained wins for the team even though he could not wrestle. When another team did not have someone in his weight class, the heavyweight class, Firestone would go up to the scorer’s table and declare himself a heavyweight as if he were ready to fight. The opposing team would then be forced to forfeit, as they did not have a heavyweight. Firestone, though, did not feel as fulfilled as he would have if he actually competed.

“You do not really care about it, because you are just walking out there and getting your hand raised,” Firestone said. “It is kind of like cheating when you are doing a personal sport because you do not get the satisfaction of working hard and getting where you are.”

Sophomore Andrew Fuchs joined the JDS wrestling team this year, so due to Firestone’s injury, Fuchs did not get the chance to know Firestone very well. Fuchs, however, was able to see Firestone’s devotion to the team when Firestone came to practices to support his teammates.

According to Fuchs, even though he could not wrestle, Firestone was an important contributor to the team this season. Firestone gave advice, got the team excited for matches and helped the team in any way that he could.

Lloyd also saw the importance of the leadership which Firestone provided for the team.

“R.J. is a great contributor not just to the team, but as a person,” Lloyd said. “He leads by example, he has a quiet confidence about him, he is not a big yeller and screamer or rah rah guy. He just goes out there and wants to get it done.”