Polar wrestler places in state for the first time since 1998

Lamarcus Osborne placed 5th in state becoming the first to place for the North High wrestling team since 1998.  Photo by Tay’Juan Henderson 

By Doretha Landers, North High School 

The state high school wrestling tournament was winding down when Lamarcus Osborne began his final match as a Polar. The spotlight was on Osborn and an opponent who had previously beaten him. After a nail-biting double overtime, Osborn came out on top and earned a medal. 

Osborne placed fifth at state, a feat the North High Polars have not achieved since 1998. 

“I was tired, grateful, and excited,” said Osborne. “It feels good, especially at this time in my life. To get smiles and congratulations from people made me feel blessed.” 

The senior began wrestling just last year when he wanted to keep in shape after the football season. He also qualified for the state tournament during his first year but fell just short of a win. This year he says he had something to prove. 

“When I went into the match, it was me versus me out there,” he said. “I felt myself getting nervous, but I had to prove to myself and others that I can overcome anything and that anything is possible, no matter what is going on in your life. 

Them being his teammates, his coaches and his late mother, who recently passed away. 

“She taught me to be myself and to show people what I’m made of,” Osborne said. 

When he lost in the 2023 state tournament, wrestling coach Andrew Capirchio said Osborne told him something he’d never heard from a student before. 

“The first thing he said to me when he got off the mat was I'm sorry, I let you down, coach.” 

Capirchio said that struck him because he couldn't have been more proud of Osborne. 

“It just showed me how much Lamarcus holds himself to a high standard. He does it for more than just himself,” he said. 

This year, when Osborne was declared the winner, Capirchio says he erupted with joy and joined Lamarcus on the mat. 

“The look in his eyes—it all paid off,” he said. He’s worked extremely hard, had some tough moments, and bounced right back. 

He finished his career with a 77-17 record. When he graduates in June, he wants to pursue marketing in college and play football. 

“If life’s not going your way now, just keep pushing through it,” said Osborne. “Everybody has trials and tribulations, but it's all about what you do with it. Use it to do something good. Inspire people.”