Zachary Kemmerer's amateur wrestling career ended four years ago. However, his desire to compete hasn't faded.

        In April, Kemmerer, a 2007 graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School and the winningest wrestler in PIAA history, participated in the Indianapolis qualifier for the American Ninja Warrior TV show.

        On April 27, he finished 15th out of 120 participants in the six-obstacle qualifying course set up in an open area in the center of the city known as Monument Circle, that included floating steps, a rolling log and warped wall.

        A soaking rain made the challenging course more treacherous, according to Kemmerer.

The competition, in its eighth season on NBC, tested his upper body strength, endurance, agility balance and explosive abilities.

        "I felt really good going through it," said Kemmerer, who turned 27 in May. "I could have gone faster, but after I completed each obstacle I interacted with the crowd. I wanted to soak up the entire experience."

        The following day, he competed in the final course, consisting of four additional obstacles. Kemmerer said he was not permitted to discuss the run, adding that it would be disclosed in approximately four weeks.

        Highlights from the Indianapolis race were televised on June 13. Kemmerer was identified on a leaderboard included on the broadcast.

        Kemmerer, who didn't mind hanging from a rope 15 feet above a pool of water during the American Ninja competition, has grown accustomed to competing in the spotlight. At Upper Perkiomen he collected 199 career victories, captured two individual state titles, and helped lead the wrestling team to a PIAA Class AAA title in 2006.

        "Zach has so much natural ability," said Tom Hontz, Kemmerer's high school wrestling coach. "He has tremendous hand strength and balance. He's never lost the desire to prove himself to other people, and he's still young enough to expand his athletic ability as far as he can."

        At the University of Pennsylvania, Kemmerer won 117 career matches. As a junior, he set a single-season school record with 39 victories.

        "I understand what it's like to perform the first time," he said. "There are no do overs. I am willing to take a risk."

        A first-year PhD student in the biochemistry program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kemmerer has been watching the obstacle-course gameshow, based on a Japanese show called Sasuke, for several years.

        "The athletes are no joke," he said.  "Many dedicate their lives to this event. Everyone has managed to overcome some overwhelming adversity."

        In his application to the show, Kemmerer sent two videos to the producers. He said one displayed his physical fitness, and that the other displayed his personal growth.

        "The producers want athletes with an interesting story to sell to America," he said.

        Kemmerer, who trained inconsistently for six months in preparation for his American Ninja Debut, plans to make next year's event more of a priority.

        "If I dedicate myself, I know I could win the $1 million grand prize," Kemmerer said.

        He would utilize the platform of heightened interest to amplify his support for Beat the Street, a program committed to helping establish youth wrestling programs in the Philadelphia metropolitan region. 

        Hontz knows better than to bet against his former pupil's future success. The coach said Kemmerer has displayed unwavering determination.

        "I wouldn't doubt Zach for a second," Hontz said. "When he sets his mind on something, he gives it everything he can."