Photo By Lance Cpl. Payton Goodrich | U.S. Marine Corps MSgt. Christopher McComb presents the Battles Won Award to Spencer...... read more read more
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl. — In a display of recognition and appreciation, Marine Corps Recruiting Command recently presented the Battles Won Award to Spencer Adams, the wrestling coach of Taylor County High School in Campbellsville, Kentucky, during the National Wrestling Coaches Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 29, 2023. The award was presented to Adams for his genuine commitment to his high school student-athletes, their personal and professional development, and his development as a coach, which has left an indelible impact on his athletes.
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Christopher McComb, communications chief for 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, explained while presenting the award that under Adams's guidance, his athletes have experienced success on and off the wrestling mats. Furthermore, McComb highlighted how Adam’s unwavering commitment to his athlete's development as wrestlers and individuals have fostered a culture of discipline, determination and camaraderie within the team, and through this tireless effort, Adams has instilled in his wrestlers the values of hard work, perseverance and teamwork.
"I had this student who had never wrestled before until his junior year come up to me asking about joining the wrestling team," said Adams. "I asked him if he was willing to get good grades, be a good person and if he's willing to work hard."
This particular instance showcases Adams's dedication to positively influencing the lives of his wrestlers: a student seeking structure and a sense of family approached Coach Adams about joining the wrestling team. Coach Adams, recognizing the importance of providing support and guidance, made an offer to the student.
Adams further explained that he allowed the student to join the team, and the student worked hard to keep up with wrestlers on the team who had been state champions. Adams detailed how the wrestler had to dig deep, push and stay committed even when times were tough.
"He was looking for a family, structure, and purpose," Adams said. "It wasn't about wrestling. It was about purpose; wrestling was just the vehicle to get him those things."
Perhaps motivated by the belief his coach had in him, the student seemed to embrace the opportunity with unwavering determination, Adams noted. He continued to work on the wrestling mat and in the classroom, striving for excellence in his life. As a result, he graduated with a 3.8 GPA, a testament to his hard work and the belief that others had in him.
"At the end of his junior year, he came up to me and asked me if he should join the Marine Corps," said Adams. "I told him I thought it would be a great idea because I knew he wanted to join for the same things he wanted to join wrestling for: family, structure and purpose."
This journey of seeking a sense of family to finding purpose and the ability to better oneself personally and academically, as well as to continue those goals of self-improvement in the Marines, exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated mentors like Adams can have on the life of a young student-athlete.
Adams accepted the award and thanked the Marines for the recognition. He emphasized the importance of bettering his athletes through teamwork, perseverance, and discipline to achieve victory on and off the wrestling mat.
"I'm humbled and honored even to have an award from an organization as prestigious as the Marine Corps," Adams said. "I'm very grateful; it's much work to be a coach, and to see that recognized by the Marines means a lot to me."
The presentation of the Battles Won Award to Spencer Adams is a reminder of the transformative power of dedicated coaching and mentorship. Through his unwavering commitment to his wrestlers' development and personal growth, Adams has left an impact on the Taylor County High School wrestling program and the community. His influence on those around him will likely inspire the athletes and coaches whose lives he has touched.
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2023 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 450589 |
| Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | CAMPBELLSVILLE, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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