Q & A with Roger Stewart
Published January 30, 2012
I have had the pleasure of meeting Roger Stewart and speaking with him on several occasions. I am of the belief that Roger is a great ambassador for the sport of wrestling and an excellent role model for young people, especially young people who are struggling to learn how to cope with adversity.
- 3x AAU Grand National Champion
- 2x U.S.A Deaflympian
- 2008 U.S.A Olympic Team Trial Qualifier
- 2012 Olympic Hopeful
- 2013 Deaflympic Head Coach
I would like to thank Roger for taking the time to answer a few questions for us!
Q: Roger, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your wrestling career?
A: My story can be found on my website…www.liveandlearn.
Q: How old were you when you started wrestling?
A: Age 17
Q: What has been your favorite experience in your wrestling career so far?
A: My favorite experience so far in my career was winning the Rocky Mountain Olympic Regional Trials as well as being the 1st deaf wrestler to compete in the 2008 Olympics Team Trials.
Q: Who is your favorite wrestler from the past and why?
A: Rodney Smith – 1992 Olympic Bronze “Never think of your final day when there is so much ahead of you, Focus on your craft and not the day you hang up your shoes”
Q: Who was your favorite wrestling coach, and why?
A: Rob Vialpando (Gold Level Olympic Coach) – He’s like a father figure to me which is why I allow him to be in my life, corner, wing-man as well as an idol. He once told me this “Thus being folded over and over like a samurai sword! That’s you as well as your battle when you were born was a struggle to become who you are today!”
Q: What do you like most about wrestling?
A: Having the mentality, physical ability, the mind set to know it’s only you out there to determine the CROWN!
Q: What do you think needs to change within the sport of wrestling in America in order to become more popular?
A: Honestly, with the Russians dominating us Americans from every angle, I ought to see that the style change in grade school to college!
Q: Why do you feel that wrestling is an important activity for young people?
A: I feel that the sport of wrestling is good for young intelligent warriors because it can set their mind to become more mature and have an open mind set.
Q: What advice would you give to a youth wrestler?
A: ”If you Ask, Seek, Knock, Your Dream will come true as well as earn a Gold Medal” Matthew 7:7 That is when it is most important to stay determined and motivated so you can make it through and reap the benefits as a result.
Q: Would you encourage kids to wrestle the international styles and why?
A: Today, a lot of coaches are teaching their kids international styles because, it will prepare them to be better by time they are in high school, college, even OLYMPICS!
Q: Thank you for the interview, is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: Would like to do a clinic/camp at your club or various of clubs at a set rate, my email address for coaches to contact me regarding camps is: Rstewart55kg@gmail.com