In the 1987 movie Over the Top, Lincoln Hawk, played by Sylvester Stallone, heroically overcomes insurmountable odds to win a major armwrestling tournament. When compared to the accomplishments of Penn State Shenango Campus freshman Bob Wilson, however, Hawk's achievements seem unimportant and inconsequential.

Wilson, who suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has prevailed over his obstacles, becoming a world-class armwrestler.

Cerebral palsy, a medical condition caused by a permanent brain injury, is characterized by a lack of muscle control or body movement, and it has been known to cause seizures and spasms.

Due to this hindrance, Wilson was never able to participate in more conventional sports, such as football and basketball. With an overflowing athletic drive and no outlet to satisfy his desires, Wilson became enthusiastic after he was introduced to the sport of armwrestling.

"It all began on Nov. 11, 1996, when I placed in my first tournament, in Latrobe," Wilson said. "The last six years in competition have been very fulfilling, and they have helped me win the battle against the cerebral palsy."

Wilson's rise to the upper level of the armwrestling world has been a swift and speedy one. After winning local tournaments and gaining confidence in his abilities, Wilson began entering and succeeding in state and national competitions. Named the state champion twice in recent months, Wilson's most rewarding moment came in mid-November in Springfield, Ill., when he contended in the World Armwrestling Championships.

"I was so proud to represent the United States and Penn State in the world championships," said Wilson, who placed in the level one disabled men's left arm 75-kilogram division with bronze medal.

Many individuals would be content or even boastful with a bench press of 250 pounds, and Wilson, an avid weightlifter, is very satisfied by his lifting accomplishments. Wilson's pleasure, however, comes from the fact that he can lift this weight with his right arm alone.

Due to his disability, Wilson's left arm is much weaker than its counterpart, and he is regularly required to use arm braces and canes. While some may view Wilson's disabilities as speed bumps, Wilson views them as motivation for his success.

"My disabilities have helped me to accomplish my dreams and overcome adversity," said Wilson, adding, "when I am told I can't do something, it drives me to do it even better. Armwrestling has helped me to rise above my disability, and it helps me to think that I don't have one."

Shenango Campus public information coordinator Liz Izenas has seen his determination firsthand.

"He's a very inspirational person, and he pushes himself to the limit every day," Izenas said.

Wilson's approach to armwrestling has extended into the classroom, where he is currently holding a "solid B or a C average." The human development major has made a smooth transition from high school in Greenville to the nearby Shenango Campus, which is located in the city of Sharon.

Wilson, who "just feels like one of the guys," was filled with pride when his bronze medal was met on campus with applause and appreciation.

One of only 11 disabled members of the 2002 United States Armsports Team, Wilson will represent the United States and Penn State when he travels to Canada Saturday for his first professional competition. Under the contract, Wilson will compete exclusively in World Armsport Federation matches, making him unable to contend in local contests.

One of Wilson's greatest memories involves his meeting with Andrew "Cobra" Rhodes, a world armsport championship and actor in Over the Top.

Wilson's ultimate goals include becoming a world champion. Wilson wants to be the best, and he believes that second fiddle is not acceptable.

"As my trainer once stated, second place isn't good enough," Wilson said. "I want it so bad, and I will not settle for anything other than first place."

Wilson's abilities will soon lead him to competitions in Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Petaluma, Calif., home of the World's Wristwrestling Championships.

Looking to begin an armwrestling club at Penn State, he is hoping to become a counselor after college, a position that would allow him to help others.

Wilson's school pride was self-evident during the World Armwrestling Championships, where he approached the table for each of his matches proudly wearing a Penn State hat.

"Although they made me take it off for all of my matches, I had it on when I accepted my medal," Wilson said.

With various awards and 24 arm sprains to show for his efforts, Wilson's personal motto reads, "I'm on a mission, and I've got ambition."

It is this determination that has helped Wilson pin his opponents and his disabilities.