by CORY WATSON
Sports Reporter

It’s just a symbol, but the meaning it carries is valuable to Austin Trotman.

Trotman, a sophomore wrestler for Appalachian State University, carries the tattoo of an Ichthys on his right shoulder that lets others know of the faith he has in God and is symbolic of the relationship he said he has with Him.

An Ichthys is more commonly called the “sign of the fish” or “Jesus Fish” by Christians.

Sophomore Austin Trotman of the Mountaineer wrestling team (t) entangles a wrestler from the University at Buffalo Sunday. The team fell to Buffalo, but defeated Gardner-Webb University and Spartanburg Methodist College. Photo by James Fay

“It’s a sentimental thing,” Trotman said of the tattoo. “I’m no longer trying to live for myself, but for God.”
Trotman said he uses wrestling as one way to carry out the Gospel.

“I consider wrestling my ministry,” Trotman said of why he chooses to wrestle. “I use it as one way to talk to others about God. It’s my way to talk about Christ.”

Trotman isn’t alone in his choice of faith.

Sophomore wrestler Dylan Temple, who spends more time than others practicing with Trotman and lives with him too, acknowledged the role God plays in Trotman’s life.

“He wants to be a missionary and open his own ministry,” Temple said. “Faith plays a huge role for him and all of our wrestlers.”
Temple also said Trotman helps lead a Bible study every Friday with the wrestling team.

“I try to apply the Bible, not just to wrestling, but to my life,” Temple said. “I want to live that role so other people can see it. I feel like being a leader on this team is going to help me with my ministry.”

Trotman is making an impact in more ways than just the expression of his faith. He’s making it on the mat as well, winning all three of his matches Sunday.

Trotman also qualified last year for the NCAA championships as a freshman and compiled a more than respectable 21-13 record.

Temple said Trotman was naturally talented but his passion helped him to be successful.

“He’s got a lot of heart,” Temple said. “More heart than most. And that heart kind of translates into aggression.”

Head coach Paul Mance noted his ability as a wrestler, comparing his physical stature to a tree that can’t be moved.

“He’s the kind of guy every coach wishes you had a team full of,” Mance said of Trotman. “Your job is easier when you’ve got guys like him.

You don’t have to do a bunch of training or anything else because of his desire to win and the physical attributes that he has. That’s all he really needs to win.”

Mance said Trotman has the ability to become an all-American if he is able to master his technique in matches.

“I don’t think there’s any question he will be an all-American,” Mance said. “[Working on] the technique and all that stuff just makes him better and will put him at a higher level.”

Trotman said he has work to do if he is to become an all-American.

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