SULLIVAN Co., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 15-year-old Lane Gilbert comes from a long line of wrestlers beginning with his grandfather.
“I was the first wrestler to advance in the state tournament and then it just kind of bled on through my family. I taught my sons to wrestle and my daughter,” said Roy Monroe.
Lane became part of the legacy by the time he was able to walk.
“He’s been at most every practice I ever had. Even when he could barely sit up or barely walk across the mat or crawl,” Monroe said.
All the years of training his grandfather gave him has now led to a defining moment in his wrestling career.
“I get to go to the country of panama to wrestle in the Pan Am games for Team USA,” said Lane Gilbert.
His chance came when he placed second in the United World Wrestling Tournament.
“I put everything into what I do and I was just really happy that I got the opportunity to do that,” Gilbert said.
Lane’s grandfather said it’s his hard work, dedication and self-discipline that’s helped him win title after title.
“I don’t have to force him to practice. He’s a good listener. He follows instructions well. Trains hard and never gives up,” said Monroe.
Glibert said he’s hopeful for another first and that is to win the high school state title.
“We’ve worked hard and he’s very capable of doing it. I believe that in my heart,” Monroe said.
Gilbert will leave for the Pan Am Games on October 29.
