HS Wrestler Honors Friend With Medal

<p>It was an incredible gesture by a high school wrestler to a grieving coach and dad and a heartfelt moment that was caught on camera.</p>

Tuesday, March 1st 2016, 10:53 pm

By: News 9


It was an incredible gesture by a high school wrestler to a grieving coach and dad and a heartfelt moment that was caught on camera.

Last October, freshman wrestler Colton Schneider died in an ATV accident, it's been devastating for his father who was also his coach. But in a wrestling season filled with sadness, wrestlers stepped up to honor his son's legacy.

Many wrestlers dedicated this season to Colton, including his teammates and a three-time state champion wrestler Colton called a mentor.

“He's been undefeated in high school, he hasn't lost a high school match, but there is a side to him that always wants to give back to the sport,” said Colton’s father, Andy Schneider.

On Saturday, Kaden Gfeller gave back again, this time to honor Colton. Moments after he received his third gold medal Kaden knew who should have it.

“It meant a lot for me and I hope it meant a lot for him. That medal is just a medal, hopefully I can win another one if I win another one maybe I’ll give it to him again,” Gfeller said.

Gfeller’s medal now hangs in Schneider's office next to this year’s wrestling shirt with a picture of Colton by its side.

“I think most people would be completely shocked that someone would give away something they worked so hard for and at first I kind of was then I think about who Kaden is as a young man and it doesn't surprise me at all,” said Schneider.

Coach Schneider said his son looked up to Gfeller, a Heritage Hall junior who'd often spend extra time after the schools joint practices to work with Colton.

“I know that his son, he definitely could have won one if he was still here so I thought that would be something good for him to have,” said Gfeller.

A precious medal to honor a precious memory.

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