Brick Memorial wrestling state champion Alec Donovan has come out as gay according to an article on outsports.com.

The well-written piece from author Cyd Zeigler chronicles Donovan's battle with the stigma of being a gay athlete as well his fears, depression and bouts with suicidal thoughts that nearly ended in tragedy.

Donovan, who won the 145-pound title at the 2015 NJSIAA State Championships and went 40-1 this winter, had only shared his sexuality with a select group until a recruiting trip to Limestone College in South Carolina put him in a position to disclose his biggest secret.

When asked by a fellow New Jersey state place winner on the trip if the rumor of him being bisexual was true, Donovan, the Shore Conference Wrestler of the Year, was honest and confident with his reply.

"The rumor isn't true," Donovan said. "I'm not bisexual... I'm gay."

Donovan also revealed in the article the ups and downs of his journey to acceptance.

There was the suicide note, how he felt "worthless" and how he ultimately hit rock bottom. But with the help of a close friend, Haley, and the support from a group of teammates, Donovan was able to dig himself out of despair.

His championship run in Atlantic City brought him to the top of the sport in New Jersey and although he is still unsure of where exactly he will be wrestling next season, Donovan will be competing as the first openly gay wrestler in the NCAA.