Blind High School Wrestler Stands Out

A Sauk Rapids teen is inspiring an entire community with his strength and determination to not let his blind disability stop him from living out his dream.

At Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, the first week of wrestling practice can be grueling. But even with the pain and sweat 14-year-old Matthew Kruger couldn't wait to get back on the mat. It’s the freshman's favorite sport.

And while he is like his teammates in so many ways, people were surprised to find out Kruger is virtually blind.

At three years old, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. It’s an inherited vision disorder that causes a person to slowly lose their site. Ann and Ernie Kruger decided to give their son the same opportunities as other children. It started with wrestling at the age of five.

"I wanted to let him be as active as he can so i didn't feel any resistance to let him do what he has to do," said Mr. Kruger.

His teammates say while he might be a quiet kid off the mat, it doesn't show when competing.

"I think he pushes the whole team to work harder because he works that much more than anyone else," said Nate Krepp, a wrestling teammate.

While many learn the moves through visual demonstrations, Kruger learns through feel and the help of his teammates.

All of this might not be possible without the Minnesota High School League adapting to Kruger's needs. Normally wrestlers start apart, but when Kruger is wrestling his opponent, the match begins with contact and is stopped any time they become separated.

Kruger thanks everyone who lends him a helpful hand.

Kruger's coach says the freshman has great potential and could be wrestling varsity this year.

The Kruger’s say Kruger has been a tremendous role model to his younger brother Jacob who also suffers from the same vision disorder and has also taken up wrestling.