My Journey is Finally Over 

I placed second in the Veterans World Freestyle Wrestling Championships in Ankara, Turkey.  My wife Carrie, my high school coach Mr. Koury and friends Wes and Pat Herrera were with me in Turkey.  It has been an exciting journey for not just me, but for everyone who has been part of helping me accomplish my dream of representing my city, state and country.   

My boss Robin Dahlman has been instrumental in helping me stay focused.  She has given me space and time to finish this unbelievable journey.  Jenifer Hogg our secretary was able to give me the extra faith I needed.  Everyone at Ira A. Murphy Elementary School has supported me during this past year.  It’s all of you who have given me faith in completing what I started over a year ago.  The pressure to finish was overwhelming at times, but all of you helped me stay focused in one way or another.  Thanks for the support. 

This has affected so many people especially my family.  It’s difficult for everyone to understand the pressures that go into training.  My brothers Eddie and Ruben have been in the wrestling room helping me stay focused at every practice.  They have seen me do this for over 38 years of my life.  They motivated me in a silent way by just watching me workout.  They didn’t have to say anything to me.  They just gave me reassurance by just being there.  My father was very quiet and just watched on occasion.  He knew what I was going through and I appreciate his faith in me.  My mother was with me in spirit at every workout.  I thought of her on a daily basis and her words of never giving up were in my head every day.   

Davita Solter and every teacher I’ve ever had were on my mind every day during my workouts.  I know it sounds crazy, but all my teachers gave me a sense of direction when I was running at 4:00 A.M. every morning.  I kept my eye on the prize because of what I’ve been taught by each and every one of them.  It’s my teachers who deserve the credit of making me believe in myself and the possibilities of what an education can do.  If any teacher has questioned themselves about affecting a student in a positive way, I’m living proof that they have.  They believed in me and I just listened to what they taught me.  They gave me the ability to dream.  I chased the dream and won.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of my teachers.  Thanks for your support! 

The City of Peoria has always been important to me.  It’s my home and this will never change.  The city council members, community organizations and people from our city and state have always helped me if I needed it.  I thank each and every one of you for your prayers and financial support.   

Every person who donated money to help me finish my journey in Turkey is appreciated very much. I have received hundreds of emails wishing me luck and giving me financial support in finishing my dream.  It’s all of you that I must say boosted my moral when times were hard.  Every penny helped me and my wife get to the World Championships and I will never forget this fact.  A special thanks goes out to the following people:

Tim Haverluck, Derrek Roberts, Dany and Becky Seymore, Katherine Baskett, Armando Macias, Rosemary Macauley, David Williams, Dean Fink, Jennifer Reid, Jennifer Cheesman, Peter Flores, Michael Yoshida, Aaron and Carol Parish, Robert Young, Miguel A. Badillo Jr, Catherine Dunkin, Brian Heuett, Janet Loerzel, Mario Chagolla, Jil and Tom Dunlop, Ron French, Runners Den, Asics, Julie Kenkel, Ralph Soto, Peoria Rotary Foundation, City of Peoria-Vicki Hunt, Joan Evans, Ron Aames, Marilyn Granger My Music Teacher Alta Loma, Sean and Melanie Seymore, Leroy Murray, Michael Rohde, Kip Dickie, Tracy L. Scaccia, Davita Solter and Frontier Elementary, Carlo Leone (City of Peoria), Matt and AnnEve Figueroa, Lyle and Ellyn Wright and Susan Nadine Roberts.   

Every wrestler who helped me train and get ready for my journey is appreciated.  It was countless hours of working out when no one else wanted to.  You were steady and focused when you worked out with me.  I hope I helped you gain some knowledge about wrestling and the dedication it takes to win in such a tough sport.  It takes a lot of concentration, time and patience to improve in the sport of wrestling.  It’s a lonely sport that most people will never understand.  J.P. Carter thanks for being there for me.  David Garcia and John Hughes were the other coaches in the room giving me support.  Thanks for the belief you had in me.   

Every former Peoria High School graduate who supported me verbally on facebook and other areas of our community I want to thank.  Thanks for spreading the word about me fulfilling my dream.  I will always be a Peoria Panther.  Go Panthers! 

Northern Arizona University helped promote my story.  My college years shaped who I am today so a big thank you goes out to NAU. J   

Thanks to Brandi Aguilar from news channel 3 and Chad Bricks from news channel 12 for helping the story get out to the public.  You kept my story alive in Arizona.  I appreciate both of you and the faith you had in me.  A big thanks goes out to Randy Camacho, Connie Midey and Jennifer Hernandez for doing stories in the newspaper about me.  You gave people an insight of my journey and struggles that I had in my life.  

Mr. Koury my high school wrestling coach is like my second father.  He has guided me in the right direction my whole life.  He has given me the ability to learn new technique and how to use it correctly.  He has never wavered in his belief in me.  Without his help and guidance I wouldn’t be here today.  It was a blessing having you at my corner my final match of my career. J 

Thanks to my American teammates for just making me feel part of a team.  It was an amazing experience to drill with Shirzad Ahmadi, Steve Barkman and Tony Piva.  Each of them has a unique style of wrestling.  I appreciate your insight and dedication to the sport of wrestling.  You’re amazing individuals and good for our sport.  I would also like to thank Sam Barber and Rusty Davidson from USA Wrestling for keeping every team member focused.  You made our stay in Turkey comfortable.  You were both very organized and supportive and everyone needs to know this about both of you.  Great job USA Wrestling!  

My friends, Wes and Pat Herrera I truly thank you for all your support. You went to Turkey and videotaped and took pictures of this adventure.  You experienced something with me that no one will ever understand.  You saw the dream happen.  Thanks for being great people.   

My friends, Sue and Jerry Howe, Alex Ortiz, Carol and Aaron Parish and anyone who has supported me throughout this dream.  You have given me the strength to finish things up.  Thanks for your support.  If I have forgotten anyone, I’m sorry.  I owe so many people for being part of my success in life.  

Lastly, my wife Carrie Chagolla.  She has seen me workout and go through something that most will never experience.  I love you with all my heart.  Thank YOU for allowing me to spread my wings and enjoy the journey.  Without you this wouldn’t have been possible.  You supported me everyday.  You now understand the dedication it takes to live what most people think is impossible. You have shared my 1988 Olympic dream in another country 21 years later.  I hope and pray that this will bring us closer together because of this experience.   

“Believe in your dream…anything is possible.”    “The journey and destination of your dream may change in life…but your purpose and focus must remain steady.”  

Sam Chagolla

2009 Silver Medalist (Veterans Freestyle Wrestling World Championships)