East Islip High School Class of 2001 alumnus and inspirational speaker Rohan Murphy paid a special visit to East Islip Middle School on Feb. 13, talking to students about the importance of perseverance and doing your best.

Murphy lost his legs at birth, and had not participated in sports due to this physical disability, but when he was an eighth grader, he was offered a position as equipment manager for the soccer, wrestling and tennis teams. He joined the wrestling team in his freshman year at East Islip, rising above adversity to become one of the school’s most decorated wrestlers and earn three-time All-League and two-time All-County honors. He later wrestled at Penn State University before focusing on powerlifting. Representing the U.S., he won a bronze medal in 2006 at the International Paralympic Committee’s World Powerlifting Championships in South Korea, and was featured in Nike’s “No Excuses” workout campaign.

"As you get older, you have the same choice as me, to be average, good or great,” Murphy told the middle schoolers who had gathered in the auditorium. “I hope from here on out you choose to be great, to get the most out of life and do your personal best. Because as we all know, you get one life, so you might as well make it count, with or without legs.”