Undefeated High School Wrestler Gives Special Needs Opponent a Moment He’ll Never Forget

An undefeated high school wrestler garnered perhaps his greatest victory in his latest match, but to do it, he had to lose.

Deven Schuko, a student at Norton High School in Massachusetts had a remarkable high school career. He’s currently the number one ranked Division 3 wrestler in his weight class, has eclipsed 100-total wins for his high school career, and had begun his senior season an undefeated 27-0. However, his streak ended when he allowed himself to be pinned by Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School wrestler Andy Howland, who has Down syndrome.

Schuko explained his act of kindness to a Boston reporter by saying, “We shook hands, and we locked up, and he was a tough kid. And he bulldogged me over to me back. I couldn’t stop the power. I’ve been in sports all my life, and wrestling, I believe, is most demanding, and for someone like Andy to wrestle and stick with it, I wanted to make his day.”

The match between Schuko and Howland has since gone viral thanks to a Facebook video posted by spectator  Anthony Pucino. Along with the video, Pucino said, “This is a video of what a team captain and leader looks like. Deven Schuko, a senior with a 27-0 record this year, a young man who earned his 100th career victory win a few days ago to join the century club at NHS, took the time to make a dream come true for (a) young wrestler with special needs from Dighton Rehoboth’s team. So proud to have witnessed this. Truly a special young man.. Thank you Schuko!”

Schuko has a simple response to his newfound viral celebrity status.

“It’s humbling I guess and pretty cool for all the attention for a simple act of kindness.”