Archives Posts
Kocer Nominated For An ESPY
Wagner Wrestler One Of Four Up For ‘Best Male Athlete With A Disability’
BY JAMES D. CIMBUREK
Wagner’s Ryan Kocer has always been a big-time athlete in South Dakota. Now he will have the chance to be recognized among the best in the world.
Kocer is one of four athletes nominated for “Best Male Athlete With A Disability” at the 2008 ESPYs. Nominations were announced by ESPN, the event’s sponsor, on Tuesday.
A three-time former state wrestling champion, Kocer lost his leg below the knee in an accident prior to the 2007 school year. He returned to wrestling in early 2008, and earned fourth in the state to help the Red Raiders to the Class B state title.
Kocer was informed of the nomination a week ago, and said that it came as a shock.
“I was very surprised when I heard about it,” he said. “I wasn’t even expecting it.”
The nomination also came as a surprise to Wagner head coach Ernie Valentine, who “didn’t know such a thing existed.”
“Ryan is very deserving. That’s for sure,” he said.
