Mark Zupan, author of "Gimp", stopped by Ball State to talk a little about his experience as a paralympic gold medalist and a lot about life.
Throughout the duration of this year's Freshmen Common Reader presentation, Zupan trash talked Joan Rivers and discussed his experiences since he led his murderball team to win gold at the 2008 Paralympic Games.
Zupan gives a lot of credit to his success to a mistake that many would consider to be a major hindrance.
After a night of hard drinking during his freshman year in college, Zupan was ejected from the back of his best friend's car. The accident left him hanging from a branch in water for 14 hours. Zupan's neck was broken, and he was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.
Zupan transferred to Georgia Tech after his accident to become an engineer. He has become an international murderball champion, a guest star on MTV shows "Jackass" and "Nitro Circus," and starred in the documentary "Murderball," which won multiple awards.
Zupan said the final step to becoming himself again was his involvement in quadriplegic rugby, also called murderball.
"It gave me the competitive edge back that I had before the accident," Zupan said. "Where else can you hit someone as hard as you possibly want in a wheelchair?"
Students were able to talk to Zupan through a various ways during his two-presentation visit at Ball State.
Microphones were set up in the aisles in John R. Emens Auditorium. After Zupan gave his presentation, students had the opportunity to ask him a question.
Zupan met about 30 students at 4 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center for a more personal talk. Students were encouraged to ask multiple questions, and all of the students were able to meet him one-on-one after the chat, where they were able to get autographs and pictures with Zupan.
Senior telecommunications major Brandon Scott spoke with Zupan about being an athlete with quadriplegia during the afternoon meeting.
"I've started swimming since the last time I saw you," Scott said. "I train here by myself. I'm ranked third in the country now."
All of the seats on the floor in Emens Auditorium were filled, and students began to fill the balcony seats. Melinda Messineo, Freshmen Connections director, said anywhere between 2,000 and 2,500 students were expected to attend the free presentation.
Students with and without disabilities asked questions about Zupan's life experiences and about even his personal tastes. One student asked Zupan what his favorite kind of shoes are, to which Zupan had no response, because he has "too many favorites."
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