His upper body is strong, but Devon Berry’s legs aren’t strong enough to hold him up. Cerebral palsy forces him to use a walker.
But on Wednesday, Berry took another step toward proving he won’t let his disability stop him. He accepted a scholarship to wrestle for St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
“Today was probably my best day in my life besides giving my life to Christ,” Berry posted on his Facebook page.
A senior at Hampton High School, Berry also played football and throws the shot put and discus for the track team. Plus, he plays wheelchair basketball and handball.
He’s inspiring no matter what sport he’s competing in, but wrestling is where he’s been able to excel. And he carries a 3.7 GPA.
St. Cloud coach Steven Costanza told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was impressed with Berry before he even met him. Costanza’s team is the defending Div. II champion.
“I don’t think there’s anything this kid can’t do,” Costanza said Wednesday. “He’s one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met.”
During his visit to the campus earlier this year, Berry had the chance to meet other wrestlers. Berry impressed his future teammates, too, Costanza said.
“Our guys said, ‘Coach, you’ve gotta have that kid,’ ” Costanza said. “He inspires me and all of those he’s around.”
Berry plans to study broadcast journalism and possibly become a sports reporter.
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