State champion didn't let brain surgery hold him back

UNIONVILLE - Tripp Collins has experienced phenomenal success as a two-time state champion wrestler at Piedmont High School. His legendary accomplishments are even more impressive considering the obstacles he's had to overcome — including brain surgery that removed part of his skull in 2017.

Next winter, Collins will be a senior with a chance to become the second wrestler in Union County history to win three consecutive state championships.

Collins also wants to break the school record for most career wins, currently held by former all-American Parker Von Egidy (228), who is the only county wrestler to ever win three individual state titles in a career.

Collins finished his junior year with a 62-1 record and he won the 120-pound weight class at the 3A state tournament. He also won the state as a sophomore. His career record is 176-15.

Academically, Collins is an A/B honor roll student.

"Tripp's a hard worker and he is the type of kid that does not get satisfied," Piedmont coach Jamie Belk said. "He has already set goals for himself and for the team (for next winter) …"

Collins said everything he's been through to get where he is now has been worth it. "It has been a lot of hard work and dedication but a rewarding journey," he said. "I would not trade the memories I made with my friends."

Marci Collins, Tripp's mother, has vivid memories of her son becoming interested in wrestling as a third grader. She said he came to her on a Thursday and told her that he was going to wrestle in a tournament on Saturday. The result: Collins brought home a gold medal. He was hooked from that point on.

In middle school, Collins suffered some setbacks. During his seventh-grade season on Piedmont Middle's wrestling team, he took some hits to the head that ended his season early. The next year, Collins sat out his entire eighth-grade season because of fluids that had to be surgically removed from his skull.

The diagnosis was Chiari Malformation, "a condition in which brain tissue extends into your spinal canal …" according to mayoclinic.org. He was left with a scar on the back of his head. "The significance of my scar is that you can't take anything for granted, nothing is guaranteed and everything given in life is a blessing," Collins said. "… During my time off the mat is when I really found God, I knew I wouldn't be able to get where I wanted to be by myself. I gave full control to Jesus to let him take over and decide where he wanted me and I knew he would make the best decision."

On May 8, 2017, Collins underwent brain surgery; surgeons removed a portion of his skull and three vertebrae from his spine. He recovered in time to begin his decorated high school wrestling career. As a freshman, Collins shocked the Piedmont High wrestling program, finishing his first varsity season with a 43-10 individual record. He helped the Panthers win the dual team state title.

"Seeing him back on the mat was enough but seeing him win that state title the following year was truly amazing," Marci Collins said of her son. "God definitely had a bigger plan for Tripp and I am so glad that he never lost his faith … His days on the mat are not guaranteed so we celebrate every match whether he wins or loses."

Collins had a 59-3 record as a sophomore, when he won the state in the 113-weight class.

Now Collins is focused on preparing for the final chapter of his high school wrestling career. What he's accomplished already will follow him for the rest of his life.

"I want to be remembered as someone who put in the work and didn't cut corners, someone who knew the only way to achieve his goals is by faith, dedication and hard work," Collins said. "Also, as a team leader who puts the team first and looks out for everyone on the team."

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