Wynn signs with Merchant Marine Academy

Travis Wynn knows pain.

And apparently, even people more than 800 miles away are cognizant of his ability to endure it.

The story of Wynn breaking his hand at the state wrestling meet during his junior season at Beaufort High reached a NCAA Division III school located in Kings Point, N.Y. --just 20 miles from the bright lights of New York City.

Now, the next chapter in that story has been written as the 2007-08 Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet Wrestler of the Year has made his decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

It was a decision put in motion after Merchant Academy recruiting coordinator and assistant coach Charlie Hill heard of the fourth-place finish from a wrestler with a hand resembling a the shape, size and color of grapefruit.

"The assistant coach called me first," Wynn said. "He had heard about me breaking my hand at state last year and he wanted to know my plans."

Before the phone call, Kings Point and the Merchant Marine Academy was a place that didn't even exist for Wynn.

In early July, it will become his new home for the next four years. But according to Wynn, the first few days won't be anything like lounging around in the Lowcountry.

"I have to leave July 10 for indoc," Wynn said. "It is pretty much like two weeks of hell."

Enduring what he said was the longest six minutes and most excruciating pain of his life during the final match his junior season, Wynn said the punishment and pain in storeat the Academy isn't something keeping him up at night.

"I am ready for it," Wynn said. "It can't be any worse than wrestling season."

His decision to attend the Academy came just days before the May 1 deadline to sign.

Wynn nearly attended The Citadel.

However, the Academy's commitment to Wynn made it easier to make it a two-way agreement.

"It really came down to the Marine Academy and coach (Tim) Alger contacted me more than The Citadel," Wynn said. "I would have loved to compete at the Division-I level. But The Citadel didn't need me at my weight class."

The Academy's only two graduating seniors just happened to be in the 184 pound weight class, making Wynn a perfect fit.

"There is a better chance to start than at any other school I was looking at," Wynn said. "I don't want to ride the bench for three years, I am a competitor."

The Merchant Marine Academy isn't for everyone but Hill said Wynn fit the mold.

"The number of people who can get into the marine academy is very tiny," Hill said. "The physical requirement is tough. But he is a great kid and will do well."