High school wrestling champion allows opponent to have dream win

NORTON, Mass. -- Deven Schuko, a senior at Norton High School and wrestling team captain, was undefeated this year with a 27-0 record and over 100 wins under his belt. But his record has been shattered by Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School wrestling legend Andrew Howland, a student with Down syndrome.



The Dighton-Rehoboth wrestling coach asked the Norton coach to match someone on his team with a special needs wrestler, according to ABC affiliate WCVB. Overhearing this, Schuko volunteered, and during the match laid flat while Howland claimed the victory of a lifetime.

"He wanted a match, and I wanted to tangle with him," Schuko told WCVB. "He was strong. He's a tough kid."
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"This is a video of what a team captain and leader looks like," wrote Anthony Pucino, who shared the inspiring scene on Facebook. Pucino added that Schuko "took the time to make a dream come true for a young wrestler with special needs."

Howland's mother, Debbie wrote on Facebook, "It's nice to see good sportsmanship is not dead."