Athlete of the Month |
|---|
| Connor Bourne |
 |
|---|
| Pictures and Content Courtesy of Connor Bourne and Family |
|
Remembering Rusty Bourne– My father initially put me into wrestling because I didn’t like football. I’d had a terrible time playing, and I knew he wanted me to have the same love for sports as he did, even if it wasn’t in football. So, he put me into wrestling even though he barely knew about the sport. I don’t think he ever thought he would be so happy with a decision as a parent, or that I would enjoy wrestling and go as far with it as I have. |
| He always used to talk about my first match, and how after I lost, I came off the mat crying saying, “I suck!” He just told me that it was fine, that I just needed to stay with it and that he loved me. This is was how he was throughout my life–always there to encourage, comfort and guide me. When I look back over my life and my journey through wrestling, my dad is everywhere. From the lows of cutting weight in a sauna together–so I wouldn’t have to do it alone, to becoming an All-American with him watching in the stands. My dad was always there to support me, and watch me grow both as a competitor and also as a man. |
| I know that watching this made him extremely proud and happy because he would always remind me about it, mostly so I didn’t lose focus of the big picture which was that he loves me because of the person I am, not the wrestler. This is what I think I will miss the most about him when looking back. The man who was always there to give me love and guidance no matter what I did or what happened, and the man who never gave up on me even when I was hard on myself. I miss him so much, but I know he would want me to keep pushing on and not be sad, and even though I know somedays will be hard without him, I will keeping pushing to be the best I can be because that’s what he taught me throughout my life. |
| Words From Coach Tyler Perry— “ I first had the opportunity to meet Connor his Sophomore Year of High School in preparation for Fargo. We had a pretty quick connection and I was so impressed with his ability to stay in big matches, both mentally and physically, enroute to a double All-American finish. We spent a lot of time together in the spring and summer, working on Freestyle and Greco. It was no surprise to me when Connor received NCAA Division-1 attention, ultimately taking his talents and character to the next level at American University. |
| Through our time together, I also developed a friendship with his dad, Rusty. Rusty was a huge advocate for Nevada Wrestling and all the kids involved. I am always glad to see and train with Connor when he is back in town visiting from college. With all the competition struggles revolving around Covid, I was pumped when Connor told me he was planning on wrestling at the UWW Junior World Team Trials. Rusty was pumped too, as they would be making the trip together, per usual. We were all shocked and heartbroken to hear about the unexpected passing of Rusty, just a few weeks before the tournament. Being stoic is an important part of Connor Bourne. He was insistent on still competing, both for him and Rusty. Connor flew back to Vegas and beat me up every day for 3 weeks, while trying to navigate his way through school and grief. We flew out to Iowa together and he did what he always does, competing at a high level as a man of character. Connor secured himself a place on the USA National Team, taking 3rd in Greco-Roman. Did I mention he was taking finals in between matches! |
| Words From Coach Dan Burgess— “I had the honor to go on a couple of wrestling trips with Rusty and Connor. Rusty would volunteer to work the tables then sneak away to watch Connor from the coaches’ corner when he wrestled. They both made those trips special. Connor was always super focused on the wrestling and generally quiet around his peers. Rusty was always full of energy and conversation. Between sessions, Rusty always had a story to tell that would put a smile on your face. He just had the warm, “Matter of Fact” personality that always made you feel better after you talked to him, even if you were already in a good mood. |
| When wrestling was in session, the din of the floor could sometimes be overwhelming–wrestling, whistles, cheering and screaming could sometimes make it impossible to have a conversation with someone standing next to you. That was never a problem for Rusty–in fact you could hear his laugh sometimes several mats away. His voice was always booming, and I pity the coach that would approach or challenge him on time-keeping, or the score during a match. He was not shy in putting them in their place. |
| One of my favorite stories regarding Rusty was a phone call he made to me one day. He said he had to ask me something. I remember this clearly, as I was just leaving Mesquite driving back to Las Vegas–which is about 90 miles. We talked the entire way, and as I was passing the Speedway by Nellis Air Force Base, we said our goodbyes and hung up. About two minutes later, Rusty calls me back. My first thought was that he butt dialed me, but when I answered the phone the first thing he says to me is, we talked that whole time and he forgot to ask me the question he originally called for.” |
|
Words From Andrew Berreyesa— “I am so thankful to have known Rusty Bourne. I remember every tournament or training camp that Connor and I were both at, I would end up talking with Rusty for at least an hour. We would talk about wrestling, school, life, everything. He was so passionate about wrestling and helping Connor achieve his goals. He was such a great guy, and we would often continue talking on Twitter, as he liked to check-up on me, and we would of course talk about all the wrestling rumors. Just a few days before he passed we were talking some wrestling, so I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear the news. I am SO thankful to have known Rusty Bourne, and my prayers go out to Connor and his family.” |
