Born into a family of scientists and entertainers Mark was Northern California All-Around Gymnastics Champion for his age group (15-16). He started wrestling in the 11th grade at Ashland High in Ashland Oregon. His first year he had a 4-6 record at 130 lbs. He grew over the summer, transferred to Palo Alto High in Palo Alto, California, and wrestled at 159 lbs. During Mark's senior year he did not win any of the three local 16-team tournaments Palo Alto High School entered. Then in the post season state qualifiers, with only 5 tournament matches under his belt, he won the Southern Penninsula Athletic League (9 schools), the Region (20 schools), the Central Coast Section (90 schools), and the California State Title (800 schools). California is the largest state wrestling championships in the country. 7 years after starting the sport he was a 3-time NCAA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist.
