Perseverance is a common theme in most sports, like toughness, durability, humility, and sacrifice. In a sport like wrestling, where the weight of failure or success rests solely on one individual, the pressure can become overwhelming. For most athletes in the genre, a rollercoaster of emotions is almost inevitable – fending off feelings of doubt and let-down, only to rise again tomorrow for another hammer swing of re-commitment.
Every year, the Wyoming State Wrestling Championships take place at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Amongst the incredibly tough competitors across the state, one wrestler rose above his extremely rare circumstances.
Sammie Cyrus of the Dubois Rams (2024), ventured to Casper for his final wrestling tournament of his high school career. The senior emerged victorious as a first-time state champion after pinning his friend – and foe – Ace Arnhold of Saratoga. The two wrestlers tangled eight times in their career, nearly splitting wins and losses without ever pinning each other.
Diagnosis
But to get here, Cyrus suffered adversity of another kind. At 10 months old, he was diagnosed with neisseria meningococcal meningitis – a rare bacterial infection that attacked his circulatory system. With blood clots all throughout his legs, Cyrus’ growth plates in his ankles became compromised.
He experienced 13 different osteotomy operations to re-break his bones in hopes to stimulate blood flow. With years of no success, the family made the difficult decision to amputate his lower-leg at four years old.
A few years later, Cyrus began feeling the same pain in his other leg. Medical staff informed the family of their recommendation of a second amputation. In the third grade, and at eight years old, Sammie was without both feet.
Never Giving Up
Through his middle-school years, Cyrus discovered a love of sports – especially wrestling. A special set of prosthetics were created, allowing him to finally compete with peers. Cyrus gained extraordinary strength in his upper body from years of crawling, providing a unique composition for wrestling.
After his surgeries, Cyrus stands about 5’9 – but with a 6’1 wingspan. “I’m actually quite lower to the ground than my opponent. My arms feel unusually long, so it’s actually easier to get takedown access,” laughed Cyrus.
With such a profound perspective and attitude about his situation, Cyrus went on to say, “In a way, it’s become my advantage. There is lots of physical preparation for wrestling, but I’ve been through a lot … my mental preparation has gotten me to this point.”
When asked about the state wrestling tournament, Sammie chuckled, “I prepare different than you might think – I actually like to get beat up in practice the week prior. The tournament is such a gauntlet, that I wanted to be ready for the physical fatigue and beatdown … My teammates and coaches helped me a lot in that sense, by challenging me to win consecutive matches against tough opponents.”
After achieving the state’s final match last season, Cyrus entered his senior year with lofty expectations. In 2024, Cyrus lost in the state finale, ending his season one step shy of a gold medal. But for his senior year, Cyrus felt the stress associated with being a tournament-favorite.
“I’ve doubted myself a lot – actually quite often – in sports, and life in general. But I think about my inner-circle of people pulling for me, and realize the fear of letting them down,” said Cyrus. “But I try not to let my life be controlled by fear.”
“My junior year, I made it to the final match at state, but fell short. The nerves consumed me, and I let doubt creep in,” said Cyrus. “But it prepared me for the emotional whirlwind of a state championship match. This time, I knew ahead of time that I had to embrace the anxiety. I was still incredibly nervous, but now it couldn’t control me.”
2025 State Championship in Casper
On March 1st, 2025, Cyrus realized his championship dreams.
“I put him on his back in the championship match, and I almost didn’t believe it … then the referee slapped the mat, and I knew I’d done it. I said to myself, ‘I’m a state champion!’”
“It was a huge weight off my shoulders. When I walked back to the locker room, I saw the Dubois crowd and felt how surreal the moment was. I couldn’t believe it,” said Cyrus. “I laid on my back, staring up at the [Ford Wyoming Center’s] ceiling, and just let it soak in.”
Cyrus sat back to reflect on his tumultuous medical history, leading to an epic high-school ending. He explained how grueling and rewarding the sport can be.
“You have to love the grind, but know that all the hard work pays off. It may not come in the form of a medal, or championship trophy, but it will pay off in some way … Wrestling changed the way I carry myself. I learned not to give up.”
Family Influence
Although he ascended in March, Cyrus’s most crucial moment came earlier in the season. He was projected to win the 106 lb. Division at the prestigious Ron Thon tournament in Riverton, but Cyrus fell in the first round. It was a shocking experience that left Sammie questioning his ability to wrestle high-caliber opponents.
“A few times I’ve considered leaving the sport. I went through a tough stretch, mentally. It was actually my mom who brought me out of it … She sat me down and said, ‘Do you realize there are so many more people cheering for you, and inspired by you?” said Sammie.
“I had become so focused on myself, that I forgot the people who had my back. Thinking of those who’ve supported me is what brought me back to life.”
“Letting yourself down is like silence. There’s no tears, no anger, not even music to help you through it,” said Cyrus. “But she helped me realize I wasn’t alone on this journey. I decided to get back up, and re-commit myself … I’m really glad my mom was there.”
The Dubois Ram went on to win every single remaining match of the season. He entered the state tournament with a new confidence. Slamming the door with four decisive victories at state, Cyrus asserted himself as the state’s best 106-pounder, dissolving all depreciation and insecurity.
Life after High School
With what feels like total achievement, Cyrus still has his sights set forward. Cyrus thanked his coaches, teammates, and inner-circle for their dedication to his pursuits, saying, “I’ve come to realize that I have great relationships here.”
His time in Dubois was quickly coming to an end. The wrestler tallied 120 total wins in his high school career, cementing himself as Dubois legend, and the best of 2025. Cyrus quickly signed with Colby Community College following his high school career. The freshman currently wrestles in the 125lbs division.
More information about Cyrus can be found at the Colby CC website: https://www.colbytrojans.com/sports/wrest/index
