Former Penn State Division I wrestler Rohan Murphy reinforced to High School and Middle School students the importance of perseverance, resilience, and determination --- traits that will serve them well in personal and professional lives --- at assemblies held today, Oct. 1.
Despite losing both legs at a young age due to a severe birth defect, Mr. Murphy’s tenacity, grit and motivation allowed him to build a successful athletic wrestling career and become a motivational speaker. His inspiring story has been told by ABC News, Sports Illustrated, 20/20 as well as Nike’s influential “No Excuses” campaign.
He told students during the High School and Middle School assemblies his story of his leg amputations at an early age, being homeschooled until the third-grade, his fear of not doing well and being bullied, of his lifelong love of sports and the eighth-grade coach who changed his life by suggesting he move beyond being a soccer team manager to trying out for the team.
“Coach did not give up on me and eventually showed me how to take down and pin someone,” he said. “Eventaully, my parents agreed and I made the ninth-grade team. Remember that your teachers and coaches have the power to change your life for the better.”
Mr. Murphy demonstrated his wrestling prowess with student volunteers at all assemblies, showing them it’s quite possible to do what some in the audience may have initially thought was impossible.
The high school wrestling team welcomed and accepted him and his first year record was 2-13. But Mr. Murphy was determined to be better. He worked and practiced hard and his record improved to 25-6 in his second year.
Still, Mr. Murphy wasn't satisfied.
“Good just wasn’t good enough,” he said. “I wanted to go from good to great. Legs or no legs, I was going to achieve.”
Mr. Murphy knew his life was always going to be challenging, but he still remained hopeful things would work out for the best.
He trained hard, going to some of the best wrestling camps in the country which helped him end his high school wrestling career strong, winning MVP his junior and senior year and confirming his desire to go to college. Penn State was his first choice.
“You all have choices as well,” he said. “To be average, good or great at what you do. I hope you choose great and do your personal best. You ain’t livin’ twice.”
Despite some in his life having reservations, Mr. Murphy accepted Penn State’s admission offer. He proudly spoke about his college wrestling career, noting how he convinced the coach to give him a shot to try out. Mr. Murphy proved himself and was selected to the team.
“If I could do that, I could never use this (having no legs) as an excuse,” he told students. “No excuses. You want something out of life, go achieve it. Don’t let anyone stop you. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. Just because you’re dealt a bad hand in life, it doesn’t mean you fold. Everyone has to overcome some things. Adversity comes in many shapes and forms.”
His best record at Penn State was 5-15. But, Mr. Murphy didn’t care. It was more important to recognize and celebrate what he overcame and be part of something he wanted to do so badly.
Mr. Murphy challenged students: “True successes can’t be measured by just wins and loses. There’s so much more. If I can overcome this and become successful, why can’t all of you? What’s stopping you? I went from being a homeschooled kid with no legs to a young adult who graduated from a great college. From insecurities to one who speaks at schools. Go ahead, you tell me I failed.”
Mr. Murphy’s visits to both schools were courtesy of Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, who told students that in the over 22,000 cases his office prosecutes annually that a large majority of those involved people weren’t successful in dealing with adversity and/or the many different challenges in life.
“Rohan’s message is about overcoming adversity and succeeding against great odds,” he said. “I want you to hear from his experiences and hopefully take away from this the perspective that he is offering to you so you can excel.”
Supporting the sentiments of High School Principal Kenneth Hauck and Middle School Principal Michael Larsen, Superintendent Brian Monahan also said Mr. Murphy’s comments were inspirational.
“We’re honored,” he added, “to welcome him to our high school and middle school as part of our commitment to reinforcing to our students the concepts of confidence, resilience, hard work, overcoming adversity and dedication to what's important to them in all they do.”