Jan. 10 was a special night for the seniors of the Reagan wrestling team, Wyatt Baumann in particular. After wrestling with the team since his sophomore year, Baumann achieved his goal of 10 wins by the end of his high school wrestling career.

Obtaining this win didn’t come easy, though. He was up against one of the top wrestlers at East Forsyth.

“It felt really good to get my 10th win, it was something really special for me to leave behind a great legacy and leave my mark on the mat,” Baumann said. “I had to work hard to do what I did.”

Baumann first got into wrestling after family members encouraged him to join the school team and has been a dedicated team member ever since.

“Wyatt has done everything that any Reagan wrestler is expected to do,” wrestling coach Josh Cutshaw said. “He attends all practices, went to camp with us in the summer and participates in our off-season workouts.”

Even though Baumann has autism, that doesn’t stop him from being a very influential member of the team.

“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” Cutshaw said. “Wyatt’s the one that gives our wrestlers their pep talk before big matches.”

From the coaches to his teammates, Baumann always displays a positive attitude.

“Wyatt is always funny and can cheer anyone up,” junior wrestler  Rhett Steelman said. “It’s always great getting to wrestle with him and see him wrestle.”

Many people came out to support Baumann through the tough competition, cheering him on throughout the match and into overtime.

“Wyatt had his own fan group there, which was really great,” principal Brad Royal said. “It was really fun to see some kids there supporting him since wrestling matches are not typically well-attended by students. I wish more kids would come to wrestling matches to support their classmates.”

The match got intense as they ended the third period with a tied score. This meant that they had to go into an overtime period, and the first wrestler to score a takedown would win.

“[When he won,] his teammates were going crazy, the parents were going crazy, the whole place was going nuts as Wyatt was raised up on his teammates shoulders,” Cutshaw said.

The crowd even had signs with the number 10 on them to hold up after Baumann got his win.

“Wyatt’s amazing victory and the response of the whole crowd shows me that with hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, all students can find their own place to excel here in the welcoming atmosphere of Reagan,” assistant principal Rebecca Free said. “I saved one of the signs from the gym floor that night and have Number 10 hanging in my office to remind me of this awesome night.”

Baumann is grateful to have ended his wrestling career on a high note.

“It was something special for me because it gives me something to look back to in my memories,” Baumann said. “My favorite memories will definitely include my win on senior night.”

The win was not only special to Baumann himself but proved to be an inspiration to everyone in the room.

“I’ve been on a wrestling mat for 27 years and have experienced many awesome moments,” Cutshaw said. “None of them hold a candle to the pure joy and pride that I felt for Wyatt that night. I’m so very proud of him.”