Dru Abbey gets pinned by Harbor Creek opponent with a smile on his face

What happened on the mat during a recent Warren Area High School wrestling match was about far more than wins, losses or the final score recorded in the books.

It was a moment that reminded everyone in attendance of the deeper values sports can represent.

Freshman Dru Abbey transformed what could have been a routine dual meet into a powerful display of sportsmanship and empathy, leaving a lasting impression on the entire gymnasium.

During a wrestling match against Harbor Creek on Jan. 28, Abbey competed in the 114-pound weight class against a wrestler with special needs. It was a situation Abbey and his coach discussed briefly before stepping onto the mat, with the focus not on strategy or scoring points, but on respect and doing what is right.

“All my coach told me was that I’d be wrestling a kid with special needs and to just do the right thing,” Abbey said. “Doing the right thing is what came natural to me, and it wasn’t too hard.”

Rather than focusing solely on competition, Abbey entered the match with empathy and intention. He made a conscious effort to ensure the contest appeared competitive and authentic, while ensuring his opponent could enjoy the experience. Abbey said he wanted the match to feel real and meaningful.

“I was trying to make it seem as believable as I could,” he said.

Abbey opened the match with a takedown on his opponent before ultimately allowing himself to be pinned.

The result was a moment that resonated far beyond the final whistle. Abbey recalled the reaction of his opponent as the most memorable part of the match.

“He was more than overjoyed,” Abbey said. “It even brought a smile to my face seeing that. Being a part of that was just an amazing feeling for everyone there.”

Abbey believes moments like these highlight the bigger picture of athletics and their role within a community.

“It really just brings the whole community together,” he said. “Everybody there was really happy. He was happy. I was happy.”

For Abbey, a freshman at the start of his high school wrestling career, the match served as a reminder that sports are about more than competition and records. They are also about inclusion, respect and doing the right thing when it matters most.

In a sport often defined by intensity and physical toughness, Abbey’s actions demonstrated a kind of strength rooted in character.