STILWELL’S NOAH BAILEY – LEAVE IT ON THE MAT
By Michael Bray
Phenomenal.
That’s the word that Stilwell wrestling coach, Jeff Bizzle calls Noah Bailey.
“I knew when I met him July that he is going to be something special in the sport of wrestling,” the first year coach said. “He has made great strides this season in his technique and on top of a great athletic background, he looks to find himself on the podium at the end of the season.”
Bailey, who is 16-7 on the season, earned the championship at the Hilldale Hornet Invitational earlier this year and also placed at the Cherokee County Classic and is the current leader in dual victories for Stilwell.
“I love working with Noah because he is a hard worker, brings good attitude, and is disciplined in his craft,” Bizzle said. “Noah is going to do remarkable things in this world.’
Noah also has honors being an All District honorable mention football player and is a known as a team leader for Indians’ football and wrestling. Noah plays running back and outside linebacker in on the gridiron.
“What motivates me are that the challenges I go through on a day to day basis are different from everyone else’s, not just physical ones but mental,” Bailey said. “The adversity and obstacles I have to overcome make me who I am today. My drive for wrestling is the physicality of the sport and the mental toughness you have to have for it. That makes me different than a lot of people.”
Noah confirms that God is his role model.
“He is our creator and without him nothing would be possible,” he added.
He also gave praise to coach Bizzle as someone who he draws inspiration from. “He fights to never give up on himself or his students but to keep persevering,” said Bailey.
The 144 pound sophomore has had his struggles on the mat. “I’ve had to overcome a couple physical things like knee pain and cauliflower ear and another pretty important one but God has helped through it all,” he said.
Most importantly, Bailey’s desire is to win a state championship.
“I would like to be a state champion in wrestling or just to make it up on that podium would be an honor,” he said. “I hope that my whole team goes to state and places.”
