An injury can be hard to overcome. It could take days, weeks, or even months to recover. At any time an injury can end an athlete’s career. But in the same respect, it could also give them the motivation to get back into the game, better than before. CMU wrestler Trevor Donarski learned the hardships of an injury after he tore his meniscus last season.

Donarski was off the mat for about a month last season and had to do rehab with the trainers until he was fully healed. After surgery, Donarski’s injury continued to affect him, only this time his injury attacked his confidence.

“I was wrestling really good before and I was in rhythm,” Donarski said. “But after I felt like I couldn’t get back to where I was before,”

Donarski was able to recover from his injury, and has been able to wrestle confidently this season, as well as having no pain in his knee. This season Donarski battled past teammate James Martinez to become the 149 lb. Champion at the Old Chicago Northern Colorado Open in Greeley. Donarski is undefeated on the year. This season, he hopes to become an All-American.

Donarski practices almost every day, lifiting in the morning and practicing at night.

Donarski not only excels on the mat but in the classroom as well. Donarski continues to make time for school and homework as an exercise science major at CMU. He also credits his grades as one of his biggest achievements.

Outside of school and wrestling Donarski enjoys hanging out with his teammates, biking, duck hunting and fishing. After taking a tour of CMU Donarski enjoyed the campus and all of the outdoor activities Grand Junction had to offer.

“I had never been mountain biking before I came here,” he said. “And now I love to go biking.”

Donarski and the Mavericks take on Northern Colorado Wednseday in Greeley.