Rodriquez is Back on The Mats

Defying all odds, local wrestler Michael Rodriquez returned to the mats recently and the results of his first competitive match looked like they were scripted right out of Hollywood. After a year-long battle to recovery from a car accident less than a year ago, Rodriquez went to Palmetto Ridge two weeks ago and captured a USA Wrestling State Championship in the 145 pound weight class.
Rodriquez began wrestling at age 6 and his future was looking bright. After winning numerous tournaments and trophies along the way he entered high school as a top prospect. During his freshman season (2006-07) at Mosley High School in Panama City, Rodriquez was the District Champion and finished 8th in the state. His record for that year was 47-5. He followed that up with a USA Wrestling State Championship in Palmetto Ridge in the 135 weight class. He was right on track.
Then came the car accident on June 30, 2007. Rodriquez was a passenger in the car and the wreck tragically took the life of one of the other passengers, Mary Black. Rodriquez was in a coma for three days and suffered a broken hip plus bleeding on the brain. When he woke up he was in his parent’s bed and in addition to the other injuries, also suffered from neuropraxia. This left him with injured nerves in his back on the left side that made him unable to lift his left arm.
The long road to recovery began with him going to rehab twice a day for several months. But no progress was being made with his inability to raise his left arm. That’s when his father started doing some research and that led to him talking to a doctor in Paris, then a doctor in Minnesota and finally a doctor in Tallahassee. Michael then began going to see Dr. Russo, a Neuro Chiropractor in Tallahassee, five days a week. Things immediately began to get better and he also began training with Tim Ross, who is on the National Mixed Martial Arts Team.
In late March of this year he returned to the wrestling mats for practice. Friends from Mosley, along with his Dad and Brother Horacio, worked out with him. Wrestling practice for most folks is long and grueling. Rodriquez welcomed the opportunity to be able to practice but admits there were some fears on other family member’s part. "It was fun to finally get back to doing what I love to do, wrestling. I wasn’t scared but my mom was," said Rodriquez. Things progressed so well that he was ready to return to live competition in mid April.
When he hit the mats in Palmetto Ridge young Rodriquez proved something to his father. "When he first stepped onto the mats it was a little scary. But to fight the guys he fought and beat was impressive. I don’t know if I could have done that. Just having him step on the mat made him a champion in my eyes," said Michael’s father Horacio. Michael’s girlfriend, Kathryn Leflore videoed the matches while his mom Ada, still on pins and needles, watched nervously from the stands. When all was said and done, Michael did what he has done so many times before, brought home the championship.
But this time is was even more special as the past year has given him a new passion for the sport he has long loved. "It gives you a different perspective. You might think you are invincible but you’re not. I appreciate the gift God has given me. He has given me a second chance," said Michael. He also said he is fortunate to have so much support from his family and friends. ‘My parents have been great. And I want to especially thank my brother Horacio and my girlfriend for sticking by my side."