Once upon a time, I had motivation that went beyond trying to win football games on the Playstation and staying up later than was reasonable for someone my age.

I actually worked out. A lot. I had to because I wrestled in college and needed to stay in shape and keep my weight under control since I was in the 118-pound weight class.

That’s right – 118 pounds. If you don’t believe it, I have found some photographic proof. I was at the web site for my alma mater Allegheny College recently checking out info on my reunion next spring. In addition to some of the big milestone reunions, they have “generational reunions.” My class – the class of 1990 – will get together with the two classes which preceded us.

They have a slideshow of activities from those years on the reunion web page. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I got to this picture. Look at the tough guy. And, yes, I am the guy winning this match.

I wish I could remember when this took place. Judging by a few factors I will not bore anyone with, I believe it to be from my first two years, probably in a non-varsity exhibition match since I only started a handful of matches my sophomore year and don’t remember any of them being at home.

I could be embarassed by how much weight I have gained since then, but since I found this picture right as wrestling season gets ready to begin, it put a spring in my step. The only downside is that you won’t find any current Allegheny wrestling photos since they dropped the program in 1993, something which still bothers me. That doesn’t change the fact that, at one point, I could kick some butt.