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Health & Fitness

Migz Defies Odds, Wrestles Back from Injury

“He who argues for his limitations,” warned Richard Bach, “gets to keep them.”

 

Limitations littered West Morris Central wrestler David Migliaccio’s long road to recovery following a near-fatal snowboarding injury in March. Forget wrestling – reading, watching TV and even thinking were struggles. “At the time anything caused a headache,” he said.

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As severe concussion symptoms lingered, many thought Migliaccio would never wrestle again.

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But that’s one limitation “Migz” argued fervently against.  “I was all for wrestling,” he said.

 

Migz is one of WMC’s most elite wrestlers. As a sophomore he climbed to #26 on the school’s all-time win chart – with a shot at #1. An NJSIAA District 1 silver medalist, he won WMC Tournament gold, and earned 3rd team All-County, going 28-12 last year.

 

Some call it a miracle delivered on the wings of prayers from Migliaccios’ large family and many friends -- but in an expected turn, his neurologist supported Migz’ argument for wrestling.

 

Concussion recovery always requires rest – but as Migliaccio’s symptoms lingered, so did his training limitations. “The doctor stated getting back to his sport of wrestling would aid him in his recovery,” explained Migz’ father, Dr. David Migliaccio.  “It was necessary to start getting the oxygen back up to his previous level as an athlete.”

 

Ironically, his limitations had slowed his recovery. But wrestling? Like any parents, the Migliaccios were “elated and terrified” their son was cleared to gradually return.

 

The doctor’s plan worked. “As the practices went on, my headaches become less severe,” Migliaccio said.

 

“His tutors stated he seemed like a different kid,” said Migz’ father. “He was able to focus longer and his cognitive thinking seemed quicker.”

 

Despite missing the entire off-season of training, Migz is back on the mat. He’s 6-4, and took silver at the prestigious John Goles Tournament.

"Dave has been working hard to get himself back into the full swing of wrestling," said WMC Wrestling head coach Ken Rossi.  "Recovering from a head injury can be long and unpredictable.  He is an upperclassmen with a great work-ethic and strong character which sets a  strong example for our younger wrestlers.  I am sure Dave will be wrestling to his full ability by February and peaking for the major tournaments."

 

“I have much higher expectations,” said Migz. But “I still have to be grateful to even be on the mat.”



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