Several days before Christmas an Iowa high school wrestler collapsed during a match and passed away hours later.
After the holiday’s ended the school hosted its first dual meet since the young man’s passing.
An opposing wrestler wanted to honor the young man who died just weeks earlier so he forfeited his match. A selfless act that immediately won the adoration of the crowd.
Austin Roberts was 14-0 during his senior season when he collapsed during the championship match of the Spencer Tiger Invitational on December 19. He died within hours of arriving at Spencer Hospital.
Amed Castro-Chavez of Estherville-Lincoln Central High School was on the mat next to Roberts that day.
He had lost to Roberts earlier in the season and when the team returned to Spencer last Thursday, there was no one to wrestle Castro-Chavez in the 220-pound weight class.
He could have easily taken the six points for his team due to the forfeit, instead, Amed did something no one was expecting.
Castro-Chavez forfeited.
He then walked over to the front row of the bleachers where Austin Roberts’ mom, Lori Roberts (in boots in the front row), and grandfather were seated.
Amed told the Sioux City Journal, “I wanted to show Austin’s family respect because they are grieving. I told Austin’s mom that I wished I could wrestle Austin again because he was such a good wrestler.”
The entire crowd at Spencer Field House stood and cheered.
Nate Shaughnessy, a columnist for the Spencer Daily Reporter, told the Sioux City Journal, “It’s not often hairs stand on the back of your neck at a high school sporting event… There are touchdowns and dunks and goals, but I’ve never felt anything quite like those few minutes in the Field House.”
