Iowa State's Pat Downey has taken a tumultuous path to this weekend's NCAA Championships in New York City. The 197-pounder is excited about the opportunity. Photo courtesy of Iowa State athletics.
The opportunity Pat Downey has dreamt of and worked for is still a few days away, and nothing but time can bring it any closer. He must continue to endure, walking into the Harold Nichols Wrestling Room for another afternoon practice. He smiles as he enters. This is his sanctuary.
“I love the lifestyle I’m living now,” Downey says. “I wake up. I train. I go to tutors and mentors.