Impressive Wrestler Sophomore from Kiona-Benton

Magdaleno Andrade, sophomore at Kiona-Benton, walks around Connell's Gerardo Morales to get into position for a re-start of the match.

by Ted Escobar & Royal Register Editor
| February 11, 2015 5:00 AM

If you are struggling to complete a task or project that's been nagging at you for some time, it could be you need a little inspiration.

You need to meet Magdaleno "Leno" Andrade, sophomore wrestler at Kiona-Benton High School.

Leno's advance to the mat for his first match at the district wrestling tournament Saturday drew my attention. His body appeared to be a bit crooked, and his walking gait told me he was wrestling despite a disability.

I stayed to watch his match at 113 pounds against Gerardo Morales of Connell. No, he did not win. He was pinned 32 seconds into the second round and lost his second match, 9-0, to teammate Loren McGhan.

What I am happy to report is that Leno was there battling to the best of his ability. He has little leg strength, and he started the match on his knees instead of the normal standing neutral position.

As long as he was not on his back, Leno battled with arms and shoulders to attempt to score or to keep the opponent from scoring. Once Morales was able to get Leno to his back, Leno was pretty much pinned. His legs wouldn't help him out of his predicament.

In his match with McGhan, Leno was unable to score. But he was able to battle well enough to keep from being pinned. That was a triumph for him.

"I was out there doing it," he said.

Throughout his matches, Leno was treated by the coaches like any other wrestler. They shouted instructions and encouragement and grimaced when things went bad. After the matches he went to his coaches immediately to learn what he'd done wrong.

"I treat him like all the other kids," coach Ben Hall said. "I yell at him when he needs it."

"I am just like all of the other boys," Leno said.

That's inspiring.

"Yes it is," Hall responded.

Leno sat down to chat for a while. I extended my hand.

"Nice to meet you," he said.

It was especially nice to meet him. I felt like clasping an arm around his shoulders. He is quite congenial.

Leno doesn't give way to his disability, which he has had since birth. He was born three months prematurely and has undergone half a dozen surgeries in his lifetime.

The most recent was last year. He pointed to several locations on his body, particularly his legs, where he's had an operation, speaking about them haltingly but matter-of-factly.

Leno was in sixth grade when his friends started wrestling. He decided to join them. He was inspired by the story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who won a NCAA national championship at 125 pounds.

"If he could do it, I can do it," he said. "And if I can do it, any able-bodied boy can do it."

There may be a little difference between Leno and his peers. He is not devastated after a loss. It's not the end of the world. He's grateful for the opportunity to compete.

"Each year I focus on the things I have to improve," he said.