Discipline, toughness, and perseverance; these are all the characteristics of standout Elder wrestler, Austin Murphy.

Murphy, a junior,

was Elder’s 126 pounder for the 2015-16 season, and probable 132 pounder for the 2016-17 season on the varsity wrestling team.

He was one of last year’s best wrestlers with a career win total of 77. Forty-two of those wins came during his 42-7 sophomore season.

What makes this record even better is that three of those seven loses came during his time at the State Tournament held at Ohio State. The two-time state qualifier went 3-3 and placed sixth. He became Elder’s first state placer since Jake Conners in 2014, who also placed sixth.

When asked about his goals he said, “I want to be the best.”

He said being the best means a state title and breaking the all-time wins record of 142 at Elder High School. This record is held by Nick Spatola. If he were to win a State title it would be the first since Orlando Scales back-to-back State titles in 2008 and 2009.

And Murphy doesn’t just want to be the best. He works to be the best. He wrestles five days a week and also lifts three days a week.

Murphy has wrestled 75-80 matches since the end of last season.

He says his goals aren’t only for him but also for the team. He wants the team to defend their regional and GCL titles for this upcoming year.

To make this possible all the wrestlers starting or not must make off season lifting and wrestling a priority. That means coming to the Monday,Wednesday, and Friday’s running and lifting sessions.

Making sure not to take all the credit, he said that last year would not have been possible with out Captain Robby Oswald and his practice partner, Nino Salamone.

Murphy knows that goal would not be possible without out all the wrestlers on the team pushing each other to keep getting better.