Wrestling isn't for the weak. It's not a casual sport. It requires, if you want to succeed, dedication and determination.
I'm really proud of both Zane and Beckett for embracing this lifestyle. It's not glamourous - and it hurts. (See picture of Zane who came home from last weekend in Virginia Beach with 2 black eyes and a singlet splattered with blood. His blood.)
Bob and I have taken a pretty "long game" approach to wrestling with Zane and Beckett. We didn't go "all in" while they were really young. This is partly because we were busy with Spencer and Quinn, but it was also a direct result of my favorite parenting super skill - perspective.
What we learned watching Spencer and Quinn - and their peers - is that many of the kids who were successful at high school had lots and lots of experience. They didn't have lots and lots of youth state championships. We also noticed along the way that there were kids who were absolute stud wrestlers in 6U and 8U who disappeared after middle school. Our goal with the boys has been pretty straight forward - 1) don't let them quit and 2) make sure they have fun.
This year we have intentionally stepped things up a bit. Actually this started last summer... when we sent them to a wrestling camp in Missouri because it had a great reputation for teaching techniques that match how our boys wrestle. We decided that this year we are going to continue doing what we're already doing, but layer in some additional opportunities for them by watching for - and being willing to attend - travel opportunities. Will this work - in the long run? No idea... but along the way we are going to have some fun!
This weekend we are staying local and wrestling in a tournament on Saturday. What's up next is a little up in the air. Maybe Kentucky the weekend after Christmas. Maybe South Carolina the first weekend of 2023. Maybe both... Stay tuned for more updates - and if you need to know how to get blood out of a singlet, give me a call.
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