Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Time out with ...
Nate Dabling, senior, Mountlake Terrace wrestling
Nate Dabling's first crowd-surfing experience will probably be his last.
A few weeks ago at a concert by ska band the Aquabats in Seattle, Dabling experienced the thrill of leaping into the crowd and having people collectively pass him around above their heads during the final song of the show.
But there was one big problem: the crowd suddenly dispersed and Dabling crashed to the floor. He landed on his left hip, suffering a severe bone bruise. It forced him to sit out the first part of the wrestling season.
"It was the craziest thing. I'd never seen it happen before, but everyone all at once just (moved). Nothing broke my fall but my hip," Dabling said.
Read on for more unique details about Dabling, who is finally ready to return to the mat after recovering from the unusual injury.
Coach's corner
By exerting maximum effort and showing enthusiasm, Dabling, who competes in the 135- and 140-pound weight divisions, motivates his teammates, Terrace coach Kanoe Vierra said: "He just inspires the guys. He is always at the side of the mat even after he wrestles."
Dabling's wrestling style is straightforward but effective. "He's not flashy," said Vierra, "but he gets the job done."
Be aggressive
After competing in Taekwondo for three years, Dabling began wrestling partly because it was a great way to release his aggression. Asked to compare the two one-on-one sports, he said, "Wrestling's tougher as far as just being strong and fit because it's your strength against (the opponent's) strength constantly … and it's the most demanding sport there is."
Fashion statement
At a meet against Shorecrest two years ago, Dabling accidentally wore his black wrestling singlet backwards. He didn't notice the blunder until after his match when teammates laughed and tugged his shoulder straps. As a tribute to Dabling, now the Hawks all wear their uniforms backwards every time they battle Shorecrest.
Giving back
Dabling often takes time off from sports to contribute to his community. He said he helps out older people in his neighborhood by chopping firewood. He also visits an elderly wheelchair-bound man most Sundays and talks about life and faith.
Fantastic freak
"I am a comic-book freak," said Dabling, who spends about $20 per week on comics and estimates he has read thousands of them over the years. His favorite fictional heros include the X-Men, Spider-Man and Captain America. At age 9 he got his first comic -- an issue of Spider-Man -- and by age 13 got serious about collecting.
By Mike Cane, Herald Writer
A few weeks ago at a concert by ska band the Aquabats in Seattle, Dabling experienced the thrill of leaping into the crowd and having people collectively pass him around above their heads during the final song of the show.
But there was one big problem: the crowd suddenly dispersed and Dabling crashed to the floor. He landed on his left hip, suffering a severe bone bruise. It forced him to sit out the first part of the wrestling season.
"It was the craziest thing. I'd never seen it happen before, but everyone all at once just (moved). Nothing broke my fall but my hip," Dabling said.
Read on for more unique details about Dabling, who is finally ready to return to the mat after recovering from the unusual injury.
Coach's corner
By exerting maximum effort and showing enthusiasm, Dabling, who competes in the 135- and 140-pound weight divisions, motivates his teammates, Terrace coach Kanoe Vierra said: "He just inspires the guys. He is always at the side of the mat even after he wrestles."
Dabling's wrestling style is straightforward but effective. "He's not flashy," said Vierra, "but he gets the job done."
Be aggressive
After competing in Taekwondo for three years, Dabling began wrestling partly because it was a great way to release his aggression. Asked to compare the two one-on-one sports, he said, "Wrestling's tougher as far as just being strong and fit because it's your strength against (the opponent's) strength constantly … and it's the most demanding sport there is."
Fashion statement
At a meet against Shorecrest two years ago, Dabling accidentally wore his black wrestling singlet backwards. He didn't notice the blunder until after his match when teammates laughed and tugged his shoulder straps. As a tribute to Dabling, now the Hawks all wear their uniforms backwards every time they battle Shorecrest.
Giving back
Dabling often takes time off from sports to contribute to his community. He said he helps out older people in his neighborhood by chopping firewood. He also visits an elderly wheelchair-bound man most Sundays and talks about life and faith.
Fantastic freak
"I am a comic-book freak," said Dabling, who spends about $20 per week on comics and estimates he has read thousands of them over the years. His favorite fictional heros include the X-Men, Spider-Man and Captain America. At age 9 he got his first comic -- an issue of Spider-Man -- and by age 13 got serious about collecting.
By Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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