Ultimate Fighter Matt "The Hammer" Hamill created quite a buzz around Holley Middle School/High School. The three-time NCAA Wrestling Division III National Champion, who graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, has a career record of 89-3. Named USA Deaf Sports Federation Athlete of the Year in 1997, Hamill was the first U.S. wrestler to win gold medals in the freestyle and Greco Roman competition at the 1997 World Games for the Deaf. In 2004, he was inducted into the Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame, and most recently, he was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter reality television show. Hamill holds a degree in electrical engineering. "Do well in getting an education," he told students in two assemblies. "Don't give up. Set your goals and don't give up until you get there." This was the first time Hamill has spoken to a hearing audience using both sign language and speech. He started the program by showing students a silent video of some of his wrestling competitions, then talked about what it was like growing up deaf. Hamill also answered questions about his wrestling career and competing without being able to hear the coaches or fans. Between assemblies, Hamill went to classrooms to speak to students with disabilities. "He's a good role model for the kids showing them that they can be successful in college with a disability," said Anna LaForce, speech language pathologist. In the evening, Hamill shared his wrestling experiences and expertise at a dinner and wrestling clinic in Holley. April 29, 2007 |
