Murphy Delivers Message at Finley
A January snowstorm delayed Rohan Murphy's appearance at J. Taylor Finley Middle School but when the former college wrestler was finally able to deliver his message earlier this month, it resonated with students at the school.
Mr. Murphy is gaining a wide reputation as a compelling motivational speaker. A former champion wrestler at East Islip High School, he went on to compete at Penn State University in the Big Ten Conference. That's impressive, but even more so because of the incredible physical obstacles he overcame along the way.
You see, Mr. Murphy is a double leg amputee. While that's posed countless challenges for him over the years, he's relished surmounting them, one-by-one.
"His message was very clear to the students at Finley – 'there should never be any excuses for not trying your hardest in school and in life; use me as an example,'" Finley Principal John Amato said.
Finley students sat glued to Mr. Murphy throughout his presentation. "He impressed them with his life's story, including being approached by Nike to do a TV commercial," Mr. Amato said.
Mr. Murphy told students that he was born with a birth defect in both legs. When he was very young doctors decided that amputation of the legs was the best option and his family agreed.
"He was always a sports fan and his parents provided him with the opportunities to compete," Mr. Amato said. However, Mr. Murphy says his love of wrestling came from his East Islip Middle School coach, who encouraged him to try it. Mr. Murphy said he immediately fell in love with the sport.
The visit and presentation was booked through the district's arts-in-education program. Mr. Amato said Finley's faculty and staff "were impressed with Rohan's personality, physical strength and ability to effectively communicate to the students. We definitely want him to come back."