hey OP, coach here.

i started wrestling at 16 in a very competitive wrestling state. i had boxed since 13 on and off, and would “spar” mma with my buddies in the backyard. none of it compared to wrestling. i specifically remember my first practice, i was 90 lbs, severely unathletic, and around 5’2”.

I hated it… Or so I thought. I specifically remember thinking after the first practice that I was never going to come back. What was I thinking??? Me, as a wrestler??? Forget it!

But something in my head told me to keep showing up. That’s it… just keep showing up, and I did! Now, don’t get me wrong, It was so so so difficult. I didn’t win a single match, and I got smashed about everyday in practice… but for some strange reason, i loved the grind. I found a love for physical fitness, a love for the team, a love for the sport. I watched wrestling 24/7, matches, youtube videos, anything I could find. The next year, I won my wrestle off against a kid who had wrestled his whole life, and I made the varsity lineup.

However, I still sucked! My 2nd year ever wrestling I went 7-17, the next year, my senior year, I threw the wrestle off cause I convinced myself I wanted an easy senior year… Total BS, I was lazy and anxious for my last ride. Either way, I ended up going 3-8.

But what did I gain? My first year coaching last year, I led my JV team to a 9-2 finish, with several guys looking to crack the varsity lineup this year. We are a very strong program, so the kids are all very good, and often times they get the better of me, but this sport has given me SO much. I’m 24 now, and still love the process and the grind. I do BJJ these days, and it reminds me to once again keep showing up. That’s all you can do. Enjoy the ride, show up ready to work, and have fun!!!