Jared Parnell is a star wrestler for the Westfield Hornets varsity club. With two state titles already under his belt Jared continues to be motivated to win his third state title.
"Definitely, the big motivation for me is to first go out there and glorify God," says Parnell. "If I'm not out there glorifying God, then I'm not doing what I am supposed to do. Secondly, you have to be self motivated."
Jared's record this season is 17-0, and even though he won those matches alone on the mat, he says his team deserves a lot of credit.
"Jared is always the one that keeps the guys straight when my back is turned," says Coach Michael Thompson. "It happens some nights guys come in and work hard, and other times they don't. They want a break and Jared is there to make sure it happens."
Jared says, "So when we are out there by ourselves with no one to lean on, we had a partner in practice that pushed us. If your teammates are better, they're gonna make you better."
In the classroom, Jared scores a 4.0 GPA and uses the same passion to win with the books.
"A coach once told me that school work and academics are number one along with family," says the senior wrestler. "Sports is number two, which is wrestling."
The season is nearing the end, and Jared says he's just warming up, so he and his teammates can wrap up more trophies for Westfield.
Jared's career record is 134-9 over his past four seasons, where every year he has served as team captain.
Last November, the senior was selected as the state winner for the Wendy's Heisman for the student athlete that excels both in the classroom and the sporting arena. He was tops out of 450 nominees.
Jared and his wrestling team travel to Augusta for a match this weekend.