Malsam serves in more than just a supporting role

If University wrestler Mike Malsam were making a movie of himself, it would make a compelling story.

The protagonist’s interests lie in music, the arts and competitive skateboarding. He wrestles only in season, mainly as the backup in weight classes behind state-championship-caliber teammates.

But, despite the daily pounding he takes in the practice room, the leading man despises losing so much he is spurred on by sheer will.

His career becomes an inspiration, and the movie ends with his amazing third-place effort in an invitational tournament despite being forced by team circumstances to wrestle up two weight classes.

In reality, Malsam is a successful competitive skateboarder – though the second best in his family behind brother Chris – and a musician and budding filmmaker.

He has been making short films since taking a class at U-Hi as a freshman. He intends to pursue it as a career.

Malsam has been a state qualifier and finished second last year to two-time state champion teammate Cory Fish in district.

Like the film hero, Malsam wrestled up two weights to 130 pounds last weekend at the Inland Empire Classic tournament and finished third, winning twice by 15-0 technical falls, by pin and by a major decision.

Malsam admitted he wasn’t too excited about competing up in weight. But he’s never been one to shirk a challenge.

“It was kind of a disadvantage to me,” he said. “But I wanted to wrestle, and 130 was the closest thing.”

This season he is locked in to the same weight classes with U-Hi teammates (state titlist) Brian Owen and (third-place finisher) Chase Fish.

They, too, have been his training partners over the years. Malsam said it’s been difficult but beneficial.

“I knew if I wrestled with other teams I’d be the No. 1 guy. Here at U-Hi I’m No. 2, but it made me a better wrestler,” he said. “Working in the room with Cory made competing in other matches less difficult.”

His coach, Don Owen, marvels that Malsam kept coming back for more despite the beatings he would take at practice.

“I tell you what, I’ve been coaching long enough to know it’s a special kid who absorbs that kind of daily pounding and keeps hungry,” Owen said.

And now, if Malsam’s wrestling career were a movie, it would end happily, with a state medal in February.