The No. 11 Messiah wrestling team is making steady work during the 2016-17 season so far and are currently 5-1 overall. After coming of a tremendous 2015-16 campaign, placing second at NCAA Nationals, which included crowning two wrestlers NCAA champions and earning six total All-Americans, they look to do this same this year. It all started back in early November and after receiving mixed results in the two season-opening weeks, the Falcons made a statement at the Mount Union Duals winning all five of their match-ups, including a 20-15 victory over No. 19 Baldwin Wallace. They are back on the mat this weekend in a very anticipated match at No. 6 Johnson & Wales University. The second half of the season includes competition at the Budd Whitehill Duals Jan. 13-14 and the Wheaton Invitational Jan. 27-28, 2017, both highly regarded tournaments. It all leads up to NCAA Regionals, which will be held on Feb. 2, 2017 where the Falcons will look to once again punch their tickets into the NCAA Championships Tournament.
 
Senior Larry Cannon will be part of the process after coming off a great season last year. He placed fourth at the NCAA Championships last year earning All-American honors. Larry is wrestling at 165 this season and placed first in his division at the Messiah Invitational and Petrofes Invitational.
 
We decided to sit down with Larry and learn more about his Messiah College experience in this week's edition of #WhyMessiah
 
What are the names of the rest of your parents and where do you fall among your siblings?
You could say I have a pretty big family haha. My parent's names are Matthew and Frances Cannon. I have 14 siblings, 10 brothers and four sisters. I am number nine in that long list!
 
Why did you come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I actually came to Messiah to wrestle with my brother for a year and then planned on transferring after he graduated. However, once I got on campus, I knew this was where God wanted me to be.
 
Why did you choose your specific major here at Messiah?
I chose sociology and anthropology because I love people, especially working with children.
 
What is your dream job after college?
I would like to be a secret service agent.
 
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to your sport?
The biggest way I find balance is by having good time management. I make my academics a priority but at the same time wrestling is a priority as well. I won't compete to the best of my ability if I don't take time on the mat to fine-tune some things. The same goes for my studies, if I don't set aside time to study, I won't succeed to the best of my ability in the classroom.
 
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My brother Stephen, he has continually led by example in his life of what it means to be a follower of Christ in all areas of life. I look up to him in both life and wrestling.
 
What is one thing about Coach Brunk that those outside your team may not know?
He is a tough dude! He will square up with anyone on the team and give them a run for their money. Most coaches don't play with the athletes but coach Brunk does!
 
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates, and how would you explain that to a recruit or someone outside of the program?
The community is indescribable. We truly are a family on and off the mat. When one of our teammates is hurting, we all hurt with them. The guys on this team, including the coaches, will do anything for one another.
 
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
When we sing a song of praise at the end of a sporting event. Win or lose, we give God the glory by singing and it really puts what we are doing in perspective.
 
Do you have a pre-game ritual or habit?
Right before I am about to wrestle I tune everything out and try to captivate my nerves by using positive self-talk. I tell myself "I am the best 165 lbs. wrestler in the nation," over and over again until I start to believe it.
 
If you didn't play your current sport, would you play any other sport? If so, which one and why?
I have always wanted to play Lacrosse. I feel like my quickness and grit would get me far. I also love their style.
 
What is the toughest part of being a collegiate student-athlete? How do you live or grow through this at Messiah?
Having to give up what others don't have to like time, energy, and emotions. It can be a lot on me when I am in season. The thing about me is I love challenges and I am always challenging myself to do better. I have grown through my experience because at times when I was feeling burnt out; I had to dig deep and keep going. It has really helped me with my commitment.
 
What advice would you give to younger student-athletes looking to play a sport in college?
Make sure you are passionate about it, otherwise you will not succeed to the fullest of your potential. Be willing to sacrifice, in the end it will pay off.
 
What is your favorite Messiah memory?
Placing second in the NCAA tournament along side my teammates and coaches.
 
If you had to answer the question #WhyMessiah what would you say?
I am a firm believer that everyone at Messiah was brought here by God and he has a plan for each person. When family and friends back home ask me "why messiah?" I tell them about the people here. They are what make this college great.
 

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