By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

King Philip coach Mike Poirier labels Austin Cannon Jr. as “a fantastic ambassador for wrestling.’’ It’s easy to understand why.

The 18-year-old senior is afflicted with Gillespie Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes imbalance and muscle-tone weakness. He was diagnosed with the malady at eight months of age and is confined to a wheelchair. That’s how Cannon gets to classes and that’s how he gets to wrestling practice and to matches.

A junior-varsity wrestler since his freshman year, he’s continued at that level for three seasons. His goal is to wrestle in a varsity match. 

When he competes, he’s out of his wheelchair and on to the mat. His opponent will be standing to begin the match but Cannon will start on his knees. And, for the next six minutes he’ll remain on his knees, relying on maneuvers like single-leg and double-leg takedowns. Last year, as a junior, his record was 5-5.

 

“I’ve learned to deal with my situation and I haven’t allowed it to prevent me from competing,’’ Cannon said. “I rely on my arms and upper body for strength. I wrestle aggressively, try to be strategic and am not intimidated by my opponent standing up.’’ 

Cannon’s father (Austin Sr.) emphasizes that his son “is taken seriously by his opponents.’’ 

Cannon smiles when he hears talk about his .500 record. It’s his badge of honor. “I’m proud of what I’ve done and I don’t look at it like I’m at a disadvantage,’’ he said. “Going low in wrestling is a plus. It’s easier for me when my opponent is standing up.’’

Cannon doesn’t limit his athletic activity to wrestling. He’s been on the KP jayvee track team for three seasons, competing in the shot put and discus. And, he’s been a regular at Adaptive Sports of New England, a sports workout facility in Boston where he lifts weights, uses the rowing machine and is a member of the facility’s swim team.

Poirier, who coached Cannon on the jayvees, is now the Warriors’ varsity wrestling coach, taking the reins from John Adams. Poirier smiles when Cannon’s name is mentioned and it’s obvious that they’ve developed a strong bond.

“Austin is one of the best kids I’ve met through wrestling,’’ Poirier said. “He’s had many victories as a jayvee competitor. He’s physically and mentally tough, is very coachable, asks great questions, keeps learning and has a high wrestling IQ. Austin accepts losing but he always competes to win.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, KP’s wrestlers were preparing to start the season. And, it’s very likely that Cannon will fulfill his goal to compete in a varsity match. 

“Austin will wrestle in some varsity matches,’’ is the way Poirier responds to Cannon’s objective.

Hearing Poirier’s remarks, Cannon said: “I have to earn it first. We have a sign in the wrestling room that stresses ‘you get what you earn.’ I’m excited because a varsity match has been my goal since last year. When it happens, I’ll be a bit nervous and anxious.’’

Cannon has developed tremendous relationships with coaches and teammates at both the jayvee and varsity levels. He rates Poirier highly and admired Adams who coached the varsity last year.

“Coach Poirier is a great motivator, he cares about his players and teaches us how to correct our mistakes,’’ Cannon offered. “Coach Adams liked my single-leg takedown. I thought he was great and he taught me to be disciplined. Colby Cloutier also was very encouraging and motivating when he wrestled last year.’’

Cannon wrestled at 155 pounds last year but this season he’ll be in the 175-pound class.

No matter what class he’s assigned to, Cannon’s philosophy of competing doesn’t change. “I want to win, I want to reach my potential and I want to enjoy whatever sport I’m involved with,’’ he said. “Wrestling isn’t for everyone. If it was easy, everyone would be trying it.’’

Born and raised in Norfolk, Cannon is acutely aware that wrestling and track have taught him some valuable life lessons. “Sports have taught me to be accountable, to be mentally and physically strong, to be disciplined and to be able to overcome adversity,’’ he said.’’

Calling his parents (Austin Sr. and Lisa) role models for their support and encouragement, Cannon also admires his younger brother Sam, an eighth-grader who wrestles and plays football. “Sam practices at times with me and he’s always cheering for me at matches,’’ Cannon said.

An honor-roll student, Cannon hopes to enroll at Curry College and major in sports broadcasting. “When I was visiting there, I asked if they had a wrestling team,’’ he said. “They said ‘no’ but told me I could start a club team. College will be a challenge but I’ll study hard and aim for good grades.’’

When the wrestling season ends, Cannon will join KP’s outdoor track team. He throws the discus and competes in the shot put from his wheelchair. “I like the shot put but I have more fun throwing the discus,’’ he said. “Probably because I’m better at it.’’ 

Cannon also finds time to participate in the Peer/Mentor Social Program at KP. “It’s a program where one can develop relationships with other students and also help underclassmen,’’ he noted.

Quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are Cannon’s favorite professional athletes. He likes their leadership abilities. As for his favorite wrestler? “It’s Spencer Lee,’’ he said. “He won three national titles at the University of Iowa.’’

What makes Cannon top-notch is his lack of bitterness. He has none in spite of his physical condition.

His father says that his condition is a factor in his son’s competitive improvement. “Austin uses it as motivation,’’ his father said. “And, he uses it to get to the next level.’’

Cannon knows that his graduation from KP will be a happy event, but also bittersweet. “It’ll be sad in a way because I’ll miss my friends and I’ll miss athletics,’’ he said. “But, I’m looking forward to a new chapter of my life in college.’’

Cannon will leave behind a legacy at KP. He found a way to compete in spite of a difficult physical condition. But, he kept battling. In the end, he won wrestling matches and he took his game to the varsity level.

A goal set and a goal achieved.

Austin Cannon Jr. is a terrific example of how to overcome adversity. He’s made an impact at KP because he’s a champion in every sense of the word.