Junior Nolan Mercer spends most of his time wrestling. He is a varsity wrestler at 132 lbs for Mount Vernon High School, and when he isn’t competing in his high school season ,Mercer wrestles for his club team. Wrestling means a lot to Mercer; it is a year-round commitment for him that shapes much of his life. But that commitment came to a pause on Saturday, Jan. 17. 

Mercer was involved in a car accident with three other students just outside of Mount Vernon. This accident caused multiple injuries for Mercer and the other students. He suffered from two broken wrists, a broken collar bone, broken teeth, brain damage, and also a knee injury that required surgery. After these injuries it makes simple tasks more difficult than they would be any other day. And because of this Mercer is not able to finish his junior wrestling season with Mount Vernon. Also with wrestling being such a big part in his life, it is really difficult for him to deal with it all. 

Mercer would have practices every day either before or after he goes to school. And also when there was not a meet for the whole team to go to and compete in. But, now with his injuries he is not able to practice or compete during the meets. This does put a toll on him and his teammates. 

Mercer is a big aspect to the Mount Vernon Wrestling team, his competitiveness and discipline is very helpful for them. But now instead of focusing on just practicing wrestling, Mercer has to focus on his own recovery by resting and his healing overall. Which does take a lot of patience and energy. 

It is very difficult for him to grasp the concept that he is officially done for the season. Especially being the fact that wrestling means so much to Mercer, and it isn’t just a hobby; it is very important to his lifestyle. Last year Mercer placed 3rd at districts. Which contributed to the overall team score for that meet. So now with everything that has happened Mercer has to find a new role on the team for the rest of the season. He has found that his new role on the team is “to be there and be supportive, and just cheer everyone on,” Mercer said. 

With everything Mercer has undergone he advises athletes to “make smart decisions,” so you don’t end up out for your entire season.