GREENWOOD, Ind. — There's an Indiana math teacher who is all about sharing life lessons with his students. Now, he's taking those lessons outside of the classroom.
When it comes to solving problems, David Marquez knows a thing or two. The Center Grove Middle School North teacher prides himself on helping students get better at numbers.
But numbers aren't the only thing this math teacher is passionate about.
"The sport of wrestling has changed my life," Marquez said. "Saved my life."
Marquez said he got into the sport in sixth grade to be closer to his brother, but soon after, his life turned upside down.
"That year, my father was diagnosed with cancer in January and then died May 2nd of esophagus cancer," Marquez said.
Marquez said life after his father's death became very tough — until one of his teachers helped push him to not give up.
"It was my social studies teacher and my high school wrestling coach, always checking in on me, being there for me," Marquez said. "Academically, socially, emotionally and just keeping me out, keeping me interested. Keeping me on wanting to be on a better path, I guess."
Now, 20 years after his father's death, Marquez helping his students and athletes do the same.
"It's been amazing. He's helped me through hardships, made many mistakes, and he's always been forgiving, forgetful, helps me out," said Dylan Marshall, an eighth-grade wrestler.
"I do think I'll wrestle in high school because of him," said Owen Scheidler, also an eighth-grade wrestler.
Marquez's wrestlers are taking some of his life lessons to heart. The biggest one: forgiveness.
"He's forgiven so many people on our team, whether you're the best wrestler, the worst wrestler, he looks at everyone the same way, gives everybody the same attention, hard work," Marshall said.
As Center Grove Middle School North's wrestling coach, David Marquez is Inspiring Indiana one classroom and one practice at a time.
"Trying to be the best person you can be, not the best wrestler, but the best person on and off the mat," Marquez said.