Karl Pope
High School Honors
3-year letter winner in wrestling, Third in District as a junior; District and State Champion at 178 as a senior. As a senior, represented the Cultural Exchange Team, wrestling throughout the US and Canada. Was #1 in State Freestyle and 2nd in Greco Roman as a senior. 1-year letter winner in football.
Post-High School Career
Wrestled 2-years at Portland State University, placed fifth in the nation as a freshman. Finished third in the 1984 US Olympic Trials, serving as a team alternate; spent 8 years wrestling professionally and 7 years in mixed martial arts. Favorite sports today include ultimate fighting, football and wrestling. Karl is a collector for Coin Meter.
Commentary
Although you may be a natural at your favorite sport, you will only get so far on that ability; you still need to put yourself completely into it to be the best you can. This has been true in all aspects of my life, and I have thought of this every time I attempt a new experience. Nothing comes easy, but anyone can be a champ. Try hard and give it all you have!
Athletes that have inspired me are Randy Couture, Dwayne Johnson, and Drew Brees.
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