2008 Woodie Awards
Bob Charlton to graduate as three time All-American
Marissa Lentowski
Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Coach John Petty often uses the "Robert Charlton example" to prove to his athletes that hard work in all aspects of life can make you winner in whatever you set your mind to.
Bob Charlton is the perfect example of hard work and dedication. This year, Charlton will be wrapping up his four year wrestling career as a three-time All-American and three-time Regional Champion. As if wrestling wasn't enough he will be graduating with a 3.0 GPA in Aerospace Engineering. Charlton will be the first three-time All-American to graduate through the AE department.
Charlton started wrestling when he was four after watching his uncles and he has been wrestling ever since. During high school Charlton also turned heads in Montana, where he played for the Skyview Falcons and became the 2002 Montana State Champion.
Charlton followed in his grandfather's footsteps by becoming an engineer and he chose Embry-Riddle because of the engineering reputation. "This school has a lot of good teachers with real world experience," says Charlton.
"He was a breath of fresh air when I came here three years ago," said Coach Petty, "I was attracted to his personality because of the way he carried himself off the mat."
As captain, Charlton is a role model for the younger students and has contributed greatly to the wrestling program. Charlton gracefully accepted the role, not for the title, but because of how people viewed the position. "When Bob gets out there the younger guys swarm to the mat just see what Bob is going to do next," said Petty.
Charlton enjoys working with the younger students and tries to keep the wrestling legacy alive. "I've always been a part of the sport, and on a team you help and teach each other." The team practices early in the morning and sometimes late in the afternoons, "We have a weird sort of bond, kind of like brothers," said Charlton, "it's great to have that support pushing you through."
On top of traveling and practicing for wrestling Charlton is taking 15 credits this semester. Like many other engineers here at Embry-Riddle, Charlton can be found in the library working late into the night on homework. "Engineering and wrestling helps you learn how to work hard, and you have to learn time management," says Charlton.
As president of the Student Athletic Advisory Board, Charlton is the link between the student athletes and administration. "Before we concentrated on regional championship and now we are looking at an all athlete banquet."
Charlton is very excited about graduation and wants to get a job and start making some money instead of spending it.
Embry-Riddle will be retiring Charlton's jersey as a symbolic gesture and it will be mounted in either the wrestling room or the Activity Center.
After the NAIA national wrestling championships Charlton finished fifth at 197 pounds, his best finish at nationals. Charlton left his shoes in the center of the mat after the tournament, signifying retirement from a sport that has been a big a part of his life for the last 17 years.
When asked if he would miss wrestling Charlton, uses a quote from Dan Gable as his parting message: "After you've wrestled everything else in life is easy."
Bob Charlton is the perfect example of hard work and dedication. This year, Charlton will be wrapping up his four year wrestling career as a three-time All-American and three-time Regional Champion. As if wrestling wasn't enough he will be graduating with a 3.0 GPA in Aerospace Engineering. Charlton will be the first three-time All-American to graduate through the AE department.
Charlton started wrestling when he was four after watching his uncles and he has been wrestling ever since. During high school Charlton also turned heads in Montana, where he played for the Skyview Falcons and became the 2002 Montana State Champion.
Charlton followed in his grandfather's footsteps by becoming an engineer and he chose Embry-Riddle because of the engineering reputation. "This school has a lot of good teachers with real world experience," says Charlton.
"He was a breath of fresh air when I came here three years ago," said Coach Petty, "I was attracted to his personality because of the way he carried himself off the mat."
As captain, Charlton is a role model for the younger students and has contributed greatly to the wrestling program. Charlton gracefully accepted the role, not for the title, but because of how people viewed the position. "When Bob gets out there the younger guys swarm to the mat just see what Bob is going to do next," said Petty.
Charlton enjoys working with the younger students and tries to keep the wrestling legacy alive. "I've always been a part of the sport, and on a team you help and teach each other." The team practices early in the morning and sometimes late in the afternoons, "We have a weird sort of bond, kind of like brothers," said Charlton, "it's great to have that support pushing you through."
On top of traveling and practicing for wrestling Charlton is taking 15 credits this semester. Like many other engineers here at Embry-Riddle, Charlton can be found in the library working late into the night on homework. "Engineering and wrestling helps you learn how to work hard, and you have to learn time management," says Charlton.
As president of the Student Athletic Advisory Board, Charlton is the link between the student athletes and administration. "Before we concentrated on regional championship and now we are looking at an all athlete banquet."
Charlton is very excited about graduation and wants to get a job and start making some money instead of spending it.
Embry-Riddle will be retiring Charlton's jersey as a symbolic gesture and it will be mounted in either the wrestling room or the Activity Center.
After the NAIA national wrestling championships Charlton finished fifth at 197 pounds, his best finish at nationals. Charlton left his shoes in the center of the mat after the tournament, signifying retirement from a sport that has been a big a part of his life for the last 17 years.
When asked if he would miss wrestling Charlton, uses a quote from Dan Gable as his parting message: "After you've wrestled everything else in life is easy."
Be the first to comment on this story