Champion Story: Calvin Savage
Author: Patrick Martinez
In the heart of Chicago’s South Side, amidst the hustle and challenges of city life, Calvin Savage was charting a course far removed from what some might expect from a young student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School. His early years were not illuminated by accolades or straightforward achievements; instead, Calvin’s narrative was deeply entwined with the struggle against neighborhood influences that loomed large, threatening to derail his future before it could truly begin.
The turning point came in 2022, when Calvin’s wrestling coach, seeing beyond the surface, introduced him to Beat the Streets—a program designed not just to teach wrestling but to mentor young individuals, guiding them towards realizing their potential. Despite possessing natural athleticism and deep-seated aspirations, Calvin initially balked at the level of commitment required to effect a real change in his trajectory. The potential was there, glowing faintly beneath the surface, but it was locked behind a door of hesitation and doubt.
As the seasons turned, so too did Calvin’s perspective. By the autumn of 2023, a new determination took hold. Faced with the stark reality of his choices and the paths they were forging, Calvin reached out, seeking the guidance he had once evaded. Here was a proud young man, a student athlete with dreams too vast for the confines of his immediate world, aiming to break free from a cycle that had claimed too many. His goals were clear: to excel academically, to attend Morgan State University—the only HBCU with a Division 1 wrestling team—and to redefine his destiny.
The transformation that followed was nothing short of remarkable. Calvin threw himself into the discipline of wrestling with fervor, his body and mindset undergoing a profound metamorphosis. What emerged was a disciplined athlete, his once uncertain path now marked by the sweat of hard work and the clarity of purpose. His efforts bore fruit during his senior wrestling season, where he shattered personal records and preconceptions alike, clinching the Chicago city championship with an outstanding 33-2 record.
Yet, Calvin’s journey was about more than just personal glory. His acceptance into Morgan State University was a testament to his academic diligence and athletic dedication, a beacon of hope that shone brightly, illuminating a path forward not just for himself but for those who would follow in his footsteps.
As he prepared to step onto the state wrestling tournament mats, confidence and skill his companions, Calvin faced formidable opponents with the same resolve that had carried him this far. His journey through the tournament was a testament to his growth, culminating in a 6th place finish that was as much a victory for his spirit as it was for his athletic prowess.
Calvin Savage’s story transcends the narrative of athletic achievement. It is a vivid illustration of the power of mentorship, community support, wrestling and unwavering personal resolve. With Beat the Streets at his side, Calvin’s future to become a finance major at Morgan State is now in focus, his story a beacon for all those who dare to dream, fight, and overcome.
If able, please consider donating to help Calvin live out his dream of attending Morgan State University this Fall. Visit his gofundme to donate.