Photos by Kymn Davidson-Hamley
Marty Gordon
On the mat, Christiansburg wrestler Ty Kwak is in a class of his own.
After winning an individual state championship last season and helping the high school to another team championship, he is marching to the beat of his own drum, literally.
This fall, Kwak has taken his love of music to another level as the drum major of Christiansburg’s marching band. Now, he is preparing for another run at wrestling gold.
He has played piano since kindergarten, so naturally he joined the band in middle school as a percussionist.
“I have continued to be a percussionist in band all the way through high school. I originally did not want to do marching band in high school, because I wanted to solely focus on wrestling. After hearing how great marching band was, I decided to give it a try my sophomore year. Marching band has been one of the greatest experiences in high school because of the supporting environment and the passion that everyone has for music,” Kwak said.
Last year, he thought he could do a good job leading and motivating the band towards success, so he auditioned for Drum Major.
“I spent time conducting everywhere; in the car, walking down the hallway at school, during school, and even on the bus to Governor’s School every morning. The practice paid off, and I became a Co-Drum Major with Haley Bragg. Throughout the years, I have learned a few things on flute, piano, drums and various other percussion instruments,” he said.
Playing and listening to music helps Kwak to focus, relax and connect with others.
“I love to hear what kinds of music other people listen to or play, and I am always excited to discuss songs or styles that I have never heard of. I continue to enjoy playing piano which is something that I was inspired to learn since my grandmother was a piano teacher,” he said.
Being drum major has been a great experience, according to Kwak.
“I have enjoyed working with the entire band to lead them to success. It has been an amazing process of watching new marchers and returning marchers work together to create our show this year.
“ I am very grateful to be part of a marching band whose members are all hard-working and willing to put in the effort for success.
“We have been awarded two superior ratings already this season, and I cannot wait to see how we do at state assessment and at the James Madison University Tournament of Champions. Being the Drum Major has been one of the best experiences I have had,” he said.
He started wrestling as a fourth grader for the Blue Demon Wrestling Club.
His goal has always been the same: to reach his full potential and be the best possible wrestler he can be.
“This year, I hope to do well on the national stage, and I hope to help lead the team to another state title,” Kwak said.
He hopes to continue his wrestling career in college and is currently looking at Washington & Lee University or Davidson College. He hopes to study biology and minor in mathematics.
He would like to attend medical school and become a physician where he can help as many people as possible.
Musically, he eventually hopes to learn how to play every musical instrument there is.
In addition to music and wrestling, he is very involving in the Eagle Scouts.
Recently, he completed a picnic shelter at the downtown park in Christiansburg in cooperation with the recreation department.
“I wanted a challenging Eagle Project, so I immediately started considering the shelter. I talked with my scoutmaster, Gary Graham, who helped me tremendously throughout the process and he thought it was a plausible idea. Once I had his approval I began planning,” he said.
He has been in scouting since first grade as a tiger cub. As an Eagle Scout, he has earned 21 required merit badges, served in various leadership roles, and planned and built the community picnic shelter at the town park.
“I spent a total of 80 hours on the planning and construction of the shelter, and I was fortunate to have volunteers that spent a total of 330 hours helping me.
“The project was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever taken on, but I learned a great deal about project management, communication, and patience. I am proud of the shelter, and I hope it is well-used by the community,” Kwak said.
And not to mention, Kwak is also the Senior Class President, HOSA club president, National Honor Society club president, a member of the BETA club and FCA club, part of the leadership team for the CHS Mentor Program, the CHS representative for the MCPS Student Advisory Council, a student at the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School and a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Youth Group.
He’s also not shy in singing the praises of his teammates and coaches as being his biggest inspiration.
“When I am with my team, no amount of hard work is too much and no goal is too high. We are always pushing each other toward success.”
His biggest inspiration in music has been the great students and teachers in the music department at CHS.
“They have continually supported and inspired me in every musical aspect. One of my best friends, Adam Williams, has shown me what a great musician is, and has inspired me to continue to learn more about music,” he said. “Throughout wrestling, music, boy scouts, and every other activity I participate in, my parents have always been extremely supportive and I am very grateful for them.”
