By Tim Ferreira, BSU Head Wrestling Coach
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- I would like to share with you an inspirational story. My former teammate, Jimmy Quinlan will be appearing on The Ultimate Fighter – 17, which begins next Tuesday evening on the FX Channel.
It's not surprising that Jimmy made it to UFC, he is a tough and hardnosed competitor. You might remember him from Bill James' Methuen High School teams of 2000-2004 and Mike Kenney's Bridgewater State University teams of 2004-2008.
Jimmy's story is a compelling one about perseverance and hard work. Jimmy never won a state title at Methuen. He never even placed at the All-States. Jimmy always believed in himself and he continued to work hard and improve. During his freshman year, Jimmy placed fourth at the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Championships at 184. His sophomore year he placed third, in his junior year he placed second and he won the New Englands at 184 his senior year to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships.
Jimmy Quinlan's teammates and coaches thought so highly of his dedication and leadership that they made him a captain for three straight years (sophomore, junior and senior years). During those three years, Jimmy also served as a Peer Mentor and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
As coaches, we know that wrestling is a long journey. In order to be successful, wrestlers will meet many obstacles that they will have to overcome. Some wrestlers overcome those obstacles while some wrestlers give up on themselves and quit. As long as your wrestlers love the journey -- the drilling, the running, the lifting and the cutting weight -- they will eventually reach the top. Jimmy Quinlan proves it.
We continue to coach in order to work with young men like Jimmy. Catch him and the other 28 fighters of the UFC next Tuesday evening. Log on to www.ufc.com. Open the TUF 17 cast and he's the fourth from the right in the front row (black t-shirt and jeans).
Sincerely,
Tim Ferreira
Head Wrestling Coach
Bridgewater State University
203-770-8925 cell or T2ferreira@bridgew.edu