Wrestling - The Parents Worst Fear
other wrestlers flaws as well as signature moves and tough holds to get out of in their opponents and show them either how to use their opponents’ mistakes against them or to defend against tight holds. Not only do they analyze other wrestlers but they analyze each other at the same time and give each other feedback. All of this is imperative to the structure of the wrestling powerhouse.
Knowing that the powerhouse is strong yet delicate is also critical in maintaining it. Not liking a teammate is no reason not to help him with his match or treat him differently inside the wrestling atmosphere. He is an important part of the team just as any other. Although he may not join in the bus laughter, he should not be made the butt of every joke. He contributes to his team in the ways that are most important.
Joining any wrestling team one has to be aware of some temporary sacrifices such as solid meals, free time and sleeping late on Saturday mornings. All of that is worthwhile when he is standing on the first place block at the Western Mass. Tournament being handed the first place trophy, medal and the poster sized bracket of his weight class.
Being the manager of the team and working so closely with the team without actually being on it, I have had the privilege of seeing what spectators and perhaps the wrestlers themselves have not seen: the whole building process. I know my peers come to a match and see a bunch of boys in spandex rolling around on a mat looking like they are inflicting unbelievable amounts pain on each other. Parents come and support their babies. Mothers are particularly funny because they yell out things that have absolutely nothing to do with the sport and then cringe every two seconds because something looks bad even if it is not. The wrestlers see their teammate doing what he’s just been taught in practice growing stronger with every victory. I see something that is probably similar to what the coaches see. I see this powerhouse soaring up into a skyscraper. I see something on the mat that is more than just the result of hard practices and the desire to win. I see a group of boys who have come to know that winning is far from everything in an individual sport. Learning together is everything and together is how to win.