Nick Trotter, a seventh grader at Macomb Junior High School, enters the room for our conversation from my left. I’m distracted by a plastic spoon on the table in front of me with a wooden tongue depressor labeled ‘Bombers’ attached wing-style with a rubber band. I don’t pay attention as he slides into the seat at the table. We speak for nearly ten minutes before he tells me he’s limb different. To that point, I hadn’t noticed.

Nick is the kind of kid who embodies perseverance and determination. Eminently likeable with an infectious spirit and an unstoppable drive, Nick doesn’t just participate in activities like wrestling, football, and bow hunting—he thrives in them, shattering expectations and inspiring everyone who crosses his path.

Born without one arm and both legs below the knee, Nick has never let his limb difference define or limit him. “I like showing people that no matter what life throws at you, you can always strive to do something if you put your heart into it,” he says. Whether he’s on the wrestling mat or the football field, Nick proves that resilience is more powerful than any physical challenge.

Nick’s athletic journey began early. He started wrestling in second grade with the Macomb Little Bombers youth program and continued to build his skills year after year. Now wrestling for the junior high team, Nick competes at around 110 pounds, using specialized prosthetics and adaptive techniques to level the playing field. “Most opponents judge me before we start,” he says with a grin. “But once the whistle blows, they realize I’m here to compete.”

Wrestling is Nick’s favorite sport, largely because of the adrenaline and focus it demands. “I love the feeling of being on the mat in front of a crowd, showing them what I can do,” he shares. His unique leverage and balance often surprise opponents, giving him a distinct advantage in matches.

This year, Nick also joined the junior high football team, playing as a defensive cornerback. “I guarded the corners and tried to block passes or make interceptions,” he explains. His speed and determination made him a valuable asset to the team, showcasing yet another way he excels in physically demanding roles.

Beyond athletics, Nick is a passionate outdoorsman. Recently earning his hunting license, he enjoys spending time bow hunting. Using a specialized prosthetic arm attachment, Nick skillfully operates a compound bow, demonstrating yet another way he refuses to let physical differences stand in his way. “It’s just another day in the woods,” he says matter-of-factly.

Nick’s love for physical activity is matched by his enthusiasm for learning. Math is his favorite subject, and he approaches school with the same determination he brings to sports. “I like being active, whether it’s in class, on the field, or in the woods,” he says.

While Nick’s achievements are extraordinary, his humility and positive outlook truly set him apart. “A lot of my friends forget that I’m missing my legs and an arm because it’s just normal life for me,” he says. His confidence and adaptability serve as a reminder that challenges don’t have to define a person—they can be stepping stones to something greater.

Nick’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “As long as you love what you do and put your heart into it, you can succeed no matter what.” This mindset has made him a role model not only for his peers but for the entire Macomb community.

Nick’s roots in Macomb run deep. He comes from a close-knit family, with three older siblings—Gabe, Calvin, and Lucy—and dreams of one day joining his father in the family business. His dad, a contractor specializing in commercial construction, has worked on significant local projects, and Nick hopes to carry on that legacy. “I’d like to work with my hands and continue the family business,” he says.

One of Nick’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Whether adapting techniques for wrestling, refining his skills as a cornerback, or mastering the art of bow hunting, he approaches every challenge with creativity and determination. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

For Nick, life isn’t about limitations—it’s about possibilities. His journey serves as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, reminding us all that true strength comes from within.