Former Suwannee High School wrestler Aaron Fountain competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association wrestling championships Feb. 24 in Iowa. 

Fountain, who wrestles for Spartanburg (S.C) Methodist College, didn’t take home the hardware in the 141-pound division, but he did go 2-2 against the best junior college wrestlers in the country. He qualified for the tournament by placing first in the district championship in New Jersey.

The past year has been about much more than wrestling for Fountain, who worked at a power plant in Tampa for three years before beginning college in 2016. 

“This was my first collegiate experience,” he said. “I’ve been in Spartanburg for a year. I’ve bettered myself as a person and I’m looking to pursue a career. I’ve got an internship starting next week with the Sheriff’s Office.”

Fountain impressed SMC wrestling coach Matt Oliver with his ability to return to the sport after missing some time. 

“Three years is a long time to be be away. To be able to jump right back in is something special,” Oliver said. “He finished with a 17-10 record and was two rounds away from being an All-American.”