GLADSTONE — It was a typical day at apply for Gladstone youth baseball. Apart from Elliott Pankonien, then 6 years outdated, who discovered his ardour for a sport that day.
However it wasn't baseball.
Positive, Pankonien admits he nonetheless loves baseball. However preserving sports activities on an excellent pedestal is what he found after that apply.
Wrestling.
After apply ended, teammates Abel and Benson Ellison spontaneously started combating like several 6-year-old would. However in that impromptu pleasant struggle, Abel and Benson's dad, Dave Ellison requested Elliott's dad to provide Elliott an opportunity to strive some wrestling apply. They accepted the provide and the remaining, as they are saying, is historical past.
Not solely did Pankonien match like a Nike glove on Tiger Woods' left hand, however he was a pure sport.
“Every thing got here collectively shortly for him” coach Dan Belanger mentioned. “He's extraordinarily aggressive and he's lengthy on the mat, has nice leverage along with his arms and toes and has the fitting pace and agility.”
Elliott, now 10, has discovered loads of success on the mat whereas sustaining his love for baseball. He described each sports activities as a tie between wrestling and baseball for the title of his favourite sport.
“I wish to compete and struggle,” Pankonien mentioned. “It's enjoyable and one thing I actually get pleasure from.”
Pankonien posted a 79-Four report in his first 4 years of wrestling, 39 by pinfall, and completed second within the state on the MYWAY Championship in 2023 and 2024. Pankonien had a trio of 20-fight profitable streaks throughout his younger battle. profession and holds a pair of 19-second pins over Vance Goldsch and Hadley Fortier.
As Pankonien finds his approach into the world of wrestling, it comes with the suitable warning of a dad or mum.
“I'm all the time a little bit nervous when he goes out to compete,” mentioned Nikki Martin, Pankonien's mom. “I'm blissful that he discovered a sport that he likes and enjoys.”