Wrestler’s first loss becomes highlight moment for opponent with Down syndrome

Massachusetts high school wrestler Deven Schuko didn’t see his first loss as a big deal. But it was a big deal — in a good way.

With a 27-0 record, that the Norton High School co-captain lost on purpose made it even more impressive.

The ‘why’ is the reason a video of his loss to Dighton-Rehoboth High School’s Andy Howland went viral. That’s because Howland has Down syndrome, and Schuko’s decision to give his opponent such a victory was an ultimate show of sportsmanship that was caught on camera.

“If I had to lose to someone, I’d like to lose to Andy,” Schuko told WCVB. “It was a win-win in my book. He won, I won.”

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