Athlete Profile: Clay Unruh '24

How long have you been wrestling? Are there other teams that you compete for? 
This year will be my 6th year of wrestling. I have been in a few different programs but currently I am only wrestling for Rabun Gap. 

What inspired you to wrestle?
My dad was the one that pushed me to wrestle. Before I started I had no intentions to do it and when he brought it up I refused. I'm glad he got me to do it.

What is the best part about competing for the Eagles wrestling team? 
The best thing about wrestling for Rabun Gap and being an Eagle, is my team. They make the wrestling room energetic and fun, which is necessary for the difficult practices.

What has been the most exciting match so far for you? 
I do not have a favorite match. For me each one is as important as the last and as long as I learn from my mistakes, I am happy.

 

What led you to come wrestle at Rabun Gap? 
Before I enrolled at Rabun Gap, I remember driving past the school and thinking, "I will never go to that school but I wonder what it is like". Time passed and the previous wrestling coach reached out and invited me to watch a match and even practice with the team. I watched the match and had an interesting time interacting with the team. I realized that this school could actually help me reach my goals and be my best self, so I talked to my parents and we made the switch.

What is the hardest part of being a student-athlete? How has the environment and people here at Rabun Gap helped you? 
he hardest part about being a student athlete is keeping up with school work and getting home late from practices or matches. Rabun Gap helps with this because I can go get help from a teacher whenever I need it or talk with some of my peers and get help from them. Also, the teachers are very considerate and help move around due times so I can complete my work.

What makes playing at Rabun Gap special to you?
Playing at Rabun Gap is special to me because we are so different from the people around us, or high schools in general. We have so many obstacles to overcome with having boarding students and we still rise above our competition.

What is your favorite thing about your coaches? 
The favorite thing about my wrestling coaches is the energy and experience they bring to the team. Coach Bozzi teaches me new things everyday and understands how to run a program.

What do you like to do in your free time? 
In my free time I like going to the gym and fishing.

 

What's your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class is Physics because it challenges me. Mr. Malot is a great teacher.

 

What are your plans for after high school? 
After high school, I would like to go to college whether it's for wrestling or something else.

 

What other school activities or organizations/other sports are you involved with?
Other than wrestling, I also play football and lacrosse. I was also a member of the fishing team.