Hard Work, Dedication Lead Verona's Farawell to All-Time Mark

Some say records are made to be broken and Verona wrestling’s all-time win mark was made for Colin Farawell to shatter.

Beginning with an impressive 22-win freshman year, Farawell knew he had a shot to break the record. But for this three-sport athlete it was a commitment to excellence and incredible discipline that brought him to where he is now – Verona’s all-time leader.

“I kept getting better and working hard. I had some good teammates and coaches who helped me get there,” said Farawell.

Being athletic is one thing, but being a top-level player in all three sports is very rare. Farawell spent the fall as the top tight end for the football team and quickly transitioned with little time to become a dominant wrestler that has Ivy League schools salivating at the thought of adding him to their teams.

“It’s my senior year and I plan to go to a prep school after this. I’m looking at Duke and some Ivy League schools,” said Farawell.

As one of the state’s best at 189 pounds, Farawell has his eye on getting to Atlantic City and matching up against the Jersey’s top grapplers.

“I don’t get a chance to face the best since we are in a different division, but I have a couple friends I practice with on Sunday’s in Bergen County. They push me hard. Sometimes I bring Anthony [Parra] and a couple other teammates up so we can get exposure to facing off against top competition,” said Farawell.

As Farawell continues to set the high watermark for wins at Verona with each victory, the only question is whether his career achievements will be capped off with a state championship.

“For Colin it’s all about working hard. We knew he was talented, but once he gained confidence the sky was the limit. He had a great freshman year and we talked about this potentially happening,” said Verona head coach Don Morgenroth.

That discussion four years ago changed the trajectory of Colin’s wrestling career and made the lofty seem attainable. With 28 and 32 wins in his sophomore and junior years respectively, setting the record was no longer an if, but a when.

Throughout this season, Farawell has not only shattered the previous record, but he has yet to lose this season. And it’s not likely to happen anytime soon.

“I’m undefeated, but I don’t beat myself up when I lose. I just forget about and think about the next match. I’m laidback and never dwell on that stuff,” said Farawell.

The carefree Farawell’s accomplishments are quickly rubbing off on his teammates as Morgenroth and his staff pattern the younger wrestler’s future success off the mold Colin is still making.

“We have some younger wrestlers who may finish with 20 wins and they now look to Colin and will aim to break his record,” said Morgenroth.

Like Derek Jeter, Farawell is the unquestioned leader of the team and believes in leading by example rather than being the demonstrative type.

“They look up to Colin and see his confidence and how he practices. They know it takes hard work and discipline and they look to him. He has become a better leader this year and continues to grow as a captain everyday,” said Morgenroth.

With each sport that Farawell plays there is a body type he must transform his physique into to compete at a high level.

“I bulk up for football then for wrestling I need to get more cut and when I play lacrosse I get real skinny. I don’t really change what I eat that much and I still eat five meals a day,” said Farawell. “I also stay away from junk food and haven’t eaten any fast food in years.”

That’s discipline that many teenagers lack. Heck, that’s discipline most of America lacks, but it’s the keen understanding of his well being that allows Colin to be an elite year-round athlete and a top student in his class.

“Practicing and competing all year ends up tiring me out and I miss homework sometimes. But my teachers are usually okay with it and some kick me in the butt when I start to get lazy,” said Farwell.

Although many with Farawell’s athletic prowess end up in sports on some level, he sees a career in business in his future.

“I want to go to school for business, but I will play in adult leagues. I love lacrosse so I can see myself playing lacrosse in my spare time,” said Farawell.

Although he will be going pro in business, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Colin make his mark in his chosen field. After all he isn’t one to fall short of his goal.