Down but never out, Lafayette Jeff wrestler John Bush becomes unlikely sectional champion
LAFAYETTE — Tears streamed down the face of Lafayette Jeff 144-pound wrestler John Bush as his arm was raised to signify his first IHSAA sectional championship.
Bush hadn't competed in a wrestling match in over two years because of choices he made.
He was honest about his shortcomings after missing out on athletics because of poor grades. Bush, a former Central Catholic student, was kicked out of school as a sophomore.
Bush transferred to Lafayette Jeff and continued to struggle in the classroom and was academically ineligible in 2023.
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"I was goofing off," Bush said. "I just wanted to come back my senior year and take what I could've done all those prior years. It's been a crazy journey."
While Bush continued to struggle off the mat, he kept receiving support from his coaches at Lafayette Jeff and Central Catholic.
Central Catholic coach Patrick O'Keefe saw the kind of person and athlete Bush was capable of becoming.
But he had to focus and learn self-discipline.
"I told him there were two roads he could go down," O'Keefe said. "One that could lead to disaster and one where he could bring himself up. He took that to heart I think and I'm really proud of him."
Bush rededicated himself to his studies, and after two years of failed attempts, he finally became eligible to compete in the sport he nearly took from himself.
Lafayette Jeff assistant wrestling coach Clay Jones is hoping Bush's pursuit of wrestling can inspire other athletes who are fighting through adversity.
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"From not even starting his junior year to winning sectionals," Jones said. "I hope guys will see that if they put the work in, good things will happen.
Now Bush will compete in the Indiana State Regional Championships at Logansport High School this Saturday for a spot in the Semi-State in East Chicago Central.
The once troubled young man earned his own self-respect by stepping back on that mat.
He had one last chance to become a champion. One final opportunity to taste the euphoric feeling of winning after getting his hand raised. Bush conquered his biggest opponent of all. Which was himself.
"It's so good, it's such a relief and I got up and screamed with joy," Bush said. "I was so ready to take this spot and now I'm ready to move forward."
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Jeff wrestler shares comeback story after being ineligible
