Warsaw senior wrestler Rory Nolin (standing) beams with pride as he poses for a picture with his newborn daughter Sophia and girlfriend Miriam Lopez. (Photo provided)

PLYMOUTH – Months of hard work and anticipation all lead up to one weekend for wrestlers around the state. Sectional weekend is the ultimate put up or shut up opportunity. It is a chance to take away a memory that will last a lifetime, and that is just what Warsaw’s Rory Nolin did this weekend.

However, the Warsaw senior’s memory will be incredibly unique compared to those of his competitors. Nolin began his sectional weekend by becoming something greater than just a regional qualifier, he became a father.

A seemingly routine Friday night practice turned into anything but routine for Nolin.

“I got a call last night during practice, found out it was finally happening and ran right out of practice. I didn’t have time to shower or anything,” Nolin said with a laugh.

The shower could wait because the world’s newest Tiger fan could not. Nolin arrived just in time for the birth of his daughter, Sophia Arielle Nolin. The proud new father was at the hospital most of the night, but that did not stop him from making it to the sectional at Plymouth High School Saturday morning.

“I got about four hours of sleep,” recalled Nolin, still beaming about becoming a dad. “Four hours of sleep is no excuse to wrestle poorly, it’s my senior year and I have to stay focused on doing my best here today.”

Nobody would have blamed Nolin for a poor showing at the sectional, he probably had the best excuse in the building to be distracted or to have an off day. But that is not what happened.

Nolin had a new purpose to wrestle for and his performance would have made newborn Sophia very proud. The senior wrestled his way into next weekend’s regional by taking second place in the 195-pound bracket. Becoming a sectional runner-up and a father in the same weekend certainly had Nolin on cloud nine.

“I know it all just started, but it’s been awesome,” Nolin remarked. “I always had her (Sophia) on my mind in my matches today, that was great. This weekend has just been so successful.

“I don’t really have words for it all. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s awesome.”

Rory Nolin feels out his opponent in the 195-pound sectional championship Saturday afternoon at Plymouth High School. (Photo by Nick Goralczyk)