By his own account, William Massin used to be a “bad kid.” He found trouble everywhere he looked, and he knows some people set low expectations for him as a result. But he credits wrestling — and specifically the intervention of coach Jack Carney — with helping him change for the better.

It was with that thought in mind, and recognizing the role that wrestling played in improving his self-discipline, that he decided to help coach and referee for middle school wrestling as his senior project.

“Coach Carney really helped me find my way,” Massin said. “He and my dad, Tony Massin, both helped me turn things around.”

William wrestled through sixth grade but injured himself in seventh grade and stayed out of the sport until his sophomore year.

“Between seventh and 10th grade was when I was a bad kid,” he said. “But, because of wrestling, I made a lot more friends and got more motivation and discipline.”

William said it was natural for him to want to foster those same qualities for the younger middle school wrestlers.

“I helped them run drills and things like that. But I also got to work with some of the kids that are bigger,” he said. “When there’s a big size difference, the bigger kids don’t always have someone they can practice with. So I was able to work with them directly on techniques and finding things that worked for them with their size.”

Additionally, the opportunity to referee wrestling matches and basketball games gave him a new appreciation for the complexities of officiating.

“I got to see things from the referee’s point of view. And it’s understandable why they react to certain things the way they do. They aren’t thinking about things like a competitor,” he said. “And, of course, the athletes are always focused on winning, so that’s the way they look at things.”

He has decided on his immediate plan after graduation May 15. “That is opening day for shrimping season,” he said. “I am literally going to graduate and get my diploma and go straight to the boat I’ll be working on.”

Being on the boat is where William sees his future.

“I might go to vocational school of some kind — like electrician or marine diesel mechanic training as a fallback — but my heart has always been on a boat,” he said. “Being out fishing is where I’ve always felt like myself and I’ve felt normal.”

He hasn’t ruled out the possibility of traveling to other countries or states, but he said Wrangell remains his home.

“If I had any advice for the younger kids, it would be about time, because it seems like it’s really undervalued,” he said. “Make every moment count and go for what you want. But don’t be afraid to step back and change your mind, because that’s OK, too.”