On November 14, two-time state champion wrestler Angus Arthur signed his letter of intent to wrestle at the University of Purdue. He also received a preferred walk-on status with the Boilermakers’ football team, which means that he doesn’t have to make the team, and that he will be playing football for Purdue as well.
Arthur will not be defending his state wrestling title this season; instead he will be going to Jamaica to train at the Usain Bolt facility. “I’m going to Jamaica primarily to learn Greco-Roman wrestling, as opposed to freestyle, which is what I do in high school,” said Arthur. In return for his training on speed and Greco-Roman style wrestling, Arthur will be going to schools and helping to teach young children the sport of wrestling.
Andy Arthur, Angus’s father, said, “I have enjoyed watching Angus grow and evolve as a wrestler and a football player. I couldn’t be more proud of my son.”
These days, a Division I scholarship is viewed as a full-time job. There is not much, if any, off-season for these athletes, and Arthur will be competing in two separate sports. “It isn’t going to be easy, that’s for sure,” said Angus. “Until I get accustomed to it, it will be a huge learning experience. But I love to compete, and Purdue gave me the opportunity to continue on a high level.”
“I am a little sad to be away from my parents and friends for such a long period of time,” Arthur continued. “When my dad was in college, he had the chance to go to the Great Barrier Reef, and he didn’t go and has always regretted that decision. This is such a great opportunity, I just can’t pass it up.”