A popular student and talented drummer, Jace Newfield (Andrew Lawrence) never lets his blindness hold him back from doing anything... until his family moves from New York City to Utah and Jace must find a way to fit in at a school that prizes sports over music. Feeling out of place, Jace decides to join the wrestling team - the only sport where the blind compete on the same level as the sighted. Despite resistance from Coach Rice (D.B. Sweeney) and other members of the team, Jace strives to overcome their reluctance to accept a blind wrestler.
Jace develops friendships with the coach's daughter, Mary Beth (Alessandra Toreson), and fellow classmate Vince Shu (Khleo Thomas). Their support, combined with mentoring from the school's music teacher Mr. Wyatt (Wayne Brady), who is also blind, helps Jace develop the self-confidence to trust his instincts and help bring the wrestling team to the championship.
Tom Sullivan, whose life experiences were the inspiration for this the movie, served as an associate producer on this movie. Blind since birth, Mr. Sullivan has succeeded as an actor, singer, author, and athlete. Inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements, Mr. Sullivan's life story illustrates the importance of overcoming physical challenges.
Filmed on location in Salt Lake City, Going to the Mat is directed by Stuart Gillard ("Full-Court Miracle," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III") and written by Chris Nolan and Laurie Nolan. Produced by Don Schain, Going to the Mat is executive produced by Academy-Award winning producer Jana Sue Memel.
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