Wrestling with Life

Filmmaker Christopher Bolender's touching documentary tells a story of tragedy giving rise to victory in the world of kids' sports. Twin brothers Phil and Dave Nowick were wrestling nuts as boys, and the adult Phil would go on to become coach of the Mile High Wrestling club in Denver. By all accounts, Phil was an inspiring leader, a man who did his best for the boys in his club even after he was diagnosed with the cancer that would lead to an early death. Wrestling with Life follows what happened after Dave took over the club, leading the team to a national competition in Tulsa. Viewers hear about Phil from Dave, their mother, various family members, friends, and their own wrestling coach; in fact, Phil's spirit and dedication hang over the film, although not in a maudlin way, as the background material about Phil is interwoven into the thrilling story of the wrestling team's current championship bid. An inspirational true-life sports story, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)