Special needs teen gets wrestling dream come true in El Monte

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- A special needs teenager had his wish come true after defeating his opponent in his first-ever wrestling match.

Nick Haller, a high school junior, got the chance to wrestle for his South El Monte High School wrestling team on Thursday, a dream made possible by two local high schools.

Haller has been an honorary member of the wrestling team but the 17-year-old has always wanted to take center mat.

"It's like wrestling, he never gave up," said Ray Castellanos, the team's coach. "He continued and continued to tell me everyday... he's the first one to come to me and say,'Coach, are our spirit packs in yet? Coach, are you going to suit me up?"

The victory would not have happened if it was not for his opponent Alex Masuda, also a junior and captain of the Rosemead High School team, who chose to compete in the inspirational match.

"I always wanted to wrestle in high school, and I'm happy I got the chance to wrestle against my best friend here," said Haller.

Musada said it felt great to fulfill Haller's dream of competing.

"We all have a passion for it and it's not always about winning...," he said.

A Facebook post showing video of the dramatic victory captures the crowd cheering for joy in the match that meant so much more than just winning.

"No matter if you're the best guy on the team or the worst guy on the team you could change somebody's life in an instant," said Rosemead High School's proud coach Justin Fregoso.

Both teens proved just that as they showed the world that with true sportsmanship, anything is possible.

"Don't give up. There are some dream you can reach," said the wrestling winner. "You can become a champion on your own."