Most of us know him as a 2013 PA state runner-up from Benton who committed to wrestle at Bloomsburg under John Stutzman and eventually followed Stutzman to Buffalo. What we didn't know about him is amazing. Very sad, but with a great ending.
Cotten was born in Montana. When he was 2, the police advised his mother to flee while her toddler son still had a chance at life. His father is an abusive, drug-addicted felon imprisoned in New Mexico and wanted in several other states. Their independence meant living below the poverty line in Central PA.
It's also a redemptive story about Cotten's relationship with the coach, who recognized the need to support soneone with a similar background. As it turns out, Stutzman's father also abandoned the family and ended up in prison.
Can't help but root for guys who make something of themselves despite such challenges.
http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/bucky-gleason/life-reversals-help-ub-wrestler-learn-to-come-out-on-top-20150205
Cotten was born in Montana. When he was 2, the police advised his mother to flee while her toddler son still had a chance at life. His father is an abusive, drug-addicted felon imprisoned in New Mexico and wanted in several other states. Their independence meant living below the poverty line in Central PA.
It's also a redemptive story about Cotten's relationship with the coach, who recognized the need to support soneone with a similar background. As it turns out, Stutzman's father also abandoned the family and ended up in prison.
Can't help but root for guys who make something of themselves despite such challenges.
http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/bucky-gleason/life-reversals-help-ub-wrestler-learn-to-come-out-on-top-20150205