Mike Welty of Newberry wrestling in the SAC meet at Cheboygan. Mike Welty, who will be a senior and captain on the Newberry High School wrestling team in 2006-07, has been chosen for the prestigious Gil Heard Courageous Athlete Award by the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters (UPSWSC) during their March meeting.

Coach Jerry McGinn chose Welty to lead the team for his strong work ethics, leadership, and inspirational skills.

Welty, who has been blind since he was three years old, started with the Newberry wrestling program in junior high.

"Mike is not a lazy person and wanted to participate in a sport, and wrestling was the perfect situation," said his mother, Angie Welty. "He doesn't want any special treatment and just wanted to be part of a team sport."

He earned his first victory late in his sophomore season and won 10 matches, including two pins, during his junior year.

"Mike is an amazing young man," said Coach McGinn. "He never wants to be treated any differently, and each year since he started in junior high, he has improved his skills on the mat."

One concession to his sight limitations is in the start of the match. Welty and his opponent will start by touching hands.

"He is a true leader who steps up when there are decisions to be made," the coach said. "He continues to work hard and has progressed from using the bicycle to running the stairs, along with the regular exercise program that that team goes through."

Welty's favorite classes in high school are mathematics and science and he hopes to further his studies in the computer and technology field in college.

"Mike will finish what he starts in the classroom and on the mat," the coach said. "He is true inspiration for any student and athlete."