CORTEZ – Every time he stepped onto the wrestling mat, Cortez Middle School eighth grader Ian Wise had one goal: to get his opponent on their back.
That was before he found a new mission.
Earlier this summer, Wise’s father, Chris Wise, went in for a routine physical through his employer. Despite a lack of symptoms, the family received a shocking cancer diagnosis.
“It hit the family really hard,” said Ian’s mother, Lindsey. “We had to go in for an emergency surgery because it was so far advanced.”
Turning fear into hope, Ian sprang into action, advocating for routine physicals to help others detect health issues early. Among his many efforts, he speaks to elementary school groups about his family’s journey, emphasizing the importance of proactive health monitoring.
Driven by ambition, Wise has been nominated as a regional finalist for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year, a national contest celebrating excellence on and off the field. The Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, named for legendary North Carolina State men’s basketball coach Jim Valvano, are the primary beneficiaries of Wise’s mission.
Wise began wrestling in third grade after a friend encouraged him to try it.
“I went to one practice, and I was hooked,” said Wise.
Since then, he has traveled across the region, competing in major youth wrestling tournaments with the Dolores Peewee Wrestling Club. This year, he’ll debut with the Cortez Middle School team and hopes for a strong season when matches begin after winter break.
“I’ve gained a lot of strength from my family,” said Wise. “And my coaches push me to my limits.”
While sports physicals are required for youth athletes to screen for safety issues, the Wise family also wants to raise awareness about routine checkups for adults.
“Ask more questions,” said Lindsey Wise, who is helping champion her son’s advocacy for men’s health. “And it all starts with getting checked – regardless of age.”
Ian also promotes sports as a way to support physical and mental health. Managing his own ADHD, he finds wrestling helps him stay active and focused.
“It keeps me exercising and allows me to stay busy and focused,” said the CMS eighth grader.
His passion for wrestling is something he hopes to carry into the future.
“I’d like to be a coach someday,” Wise added.
To advance in the Youth Athlete of the Year competition, Wise must finish as the top vote-getter in his group. The winner will receive a $25,000 prize and an advertisement for their mission in Sports Illustrated. Voting is open until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. Support for Ian’s cause as well as more information can be found through his Youth Athlete of the Year site at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/ian-7997.
Just like on the mat, win or lose, Wise’s goal remains clear.
“What holds the greatest significance is not the accumulation of trophies or pins, but the unyielding determination to succeed and persevere,” said Wise. “With your support, we can turn setbacks into comebacks.”
