“Reflections of a Varsity Wrestler” In my view, the greatest virtue of Harvard varsity sports is the opportunity they offer to compete athletically at a very high level in an environment that appropriately and, perhaps, uniquely, integrates and balances this pursuit with the overall academic experience. One of the more rewarding aspects of wrestling for four years at Harvard was developing camaraderie with a group of highly intelligent, eccentric athletes whose weights ranged from 118 pounds to over 300 pounds, never a dull moment in the wrestling room, on or off the mats. Competing successfully for Harvard on a national level was exhilarating. The wrestling program clearly provided the coaching, facilities, schedule, and other resources that were necessary to be competitive in this arena. When combined with personal commitment and sacrifice, there were no limits to one’s potential athletic achievements on a Harvard sports team. But significantly, the involvement in varsity sports was always an option, never an obligation, to be pursued in accordance with one’s own personal goals and ability. Excelling at sports in this environment provided valuable lessons about the will to win, self-reliance, team dynamics, and many more important learnings that have been and continue to be relevant to life’s many changes. Twenty-five years later, Harvard wrestling has left me with many vivid memories that are a wonderful source of gratification and pride. Running the stairs at the old IAB; defeating an arrogant Plebe from West Point embarrassed to lose to a long-haired Ivy Leaguer; taking that first bite of an Elsie’s burger after several days of food deprivation to make weight; motivating other team members to greater achievements… these types of experiences are indelible and represent an integral clement of my Harvard experience.