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As an adolescent, Welker's life revolved around the sport of wrestling - and nothing else. Studying in high school was an unwanted necessity to stay eligible.

But the desire to continue on the mats in college decreased until the fire to compete burned out. Welker began to make very poor choices which resulted in his removal from the wrestling team and almost led to his expulsion from school.

Welker felt totally alone as his life began to collapse around him. There was nowhere to turn; he couldn't go home a failure. He was absorbed by self-doubt, uselessness, and fell into a deep depression.

Welker had lost all hope until he began to change priorities and found someone who believed in him. Still, the struggle wasn't over, but the struggle is the glory.

About the Author

An award-winning educator and one of the country's foremost authorities on Folkstyle wrestling, Dr. Bill Welker has published the national best-seller The Wrestling Drill Book, a DVD, and hundreds of articles on the mat sport since 1974.

Welker has also published numerous practical papers on the art and science of teaching during his 40-year career. Upon retiring, he was selected as "Teacher of the Year" by the Wheeling (WV) Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also inducted into West Virginia University's prestigious Jasper N. Deahl Honors Society for his contributions to education.

Welker is a member of four wrestling halls of fame, including the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (West Virginia Chapter). He has been selected twice as the National Wrestling Sportswriter of the Year by Wrestling USA Magazine.