In the Carthage Central High School wrestling practice room, there is a sign that reads, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Andrew W. McFarland, 15, has achieved a lot in the sport of wrestling through hard work, and he attributes his strong work ethic to his father.
"My father helps me be mentally tough for the sport by having hard practices and helping me push through those hard practices," said Andrew, who has been a member of the high school varsity wrestling team since he was a seventh grader.
This past season, Andrew won the Frontier League Class A Championship and placed second in Section III at 113 pounds -- one win from qualifying for the New York State Wrestling Tournament.
In April, he won a National United Wrestling Association for Youth National Title for his age group at 118 pounds and only allowed a single point scored against him throughout the tournament. He also placed seventh in the National High School Coaches Association National Tournament for freshmen, earning All-American honors at 113 pounds.
Andrew's father, Capt. Chris A. McFarland, commander of D Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, is no stranger to the sport, having earned a state runner-up finish in Iowa.
It was Andrew's father who got him started in the sport when, during an assignment at Fort Benning, Ga., in 2003, he brought home a youth wrestling program flyer and asked his then 7-year-old son if he would like to give the sport a try. Andrew said yes, and his dad volunteered to assist coach the program. McFarland has been his son's coach ever since, which has included volunteering at every level of Carthage wrestling.
"I keep my thumb on him pretty hard," McFarland said. "He has a good work ethic, but I keep reminding him his hard work is what has earned him the successes he has achieved."
The two have been able to spend a lot of quality father-son time together because of wrestling. It is evident that both truly love the sport and appreciate the relationship they have because of it.
"Being able to have my dad with me during the wrestling season has helped me a lot," Andrew said. "My dad is my motivator."
Deployments and training commitments have caused McFarland to miss parts of previous wrestling seasons, including Andrew's first year on varsity when he was a seventh grader.
McFarland is currently on his second deployment with the 10th CAB, and he said he will likely miss the beginning of the 2013-2014 season, during which it is expected that Andrew will achieve another significant milestone.
Andrew is just nine wins away from his 100th career high school victory. McFarland said he hopes there may be a way for him to witness the event through the power of the Internet.
But although his current deployment will cause him to miss the beginning of Andrew's sophomore season, McFarland said he is very excited that his unit's timeline will put him back home in time for the post season and a possible run for a New York state title.
Although it is harder to stay focused while his dad is deployed, the two of them stay in touch through Facebook, Skype and occasional phone calls, said Andrew, who added that while his dad is gone he can count on CCHS head wrestling coach Donald Dorchester to provide direct motivation.
"I am constantly reminded (by Dorchester) of who I want to be and what I am working for," Andrew said.
Since the high school season concluded around the end of February, Andrew, who said his ultimate goal is to win a high school state title and to wrestle in college, currently practices with former CHS state champion Shane Brady on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with a few other teammates.
Andrew said what he likes most about wrestling is the importance of being mentally tough. Mental toughness has pushed him to work hard over the years, and it is hard work that has led to his success in the sport he loves.
It is a point his dad has made from the very beginning.
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