We are in the heart of Wrestling Season. Stewie, as you may remember from my last years post, had won Gold in many of the Novice Tournaments he competed in last season. This season he is not allowed in the "Novice" tournaments & is competing in "Experienced" tournaments. He has competed in 2 & has won Bronze in both. We are quite proud of him, this being his 2nd year in the sport. He, however, is having a difficult time with this. He does not understand the "Luck of the Draw" has been against him. At both Tournaments, his first opponents have been wrestling for 5 years plus. The good part:
1. He has NOT been "pinned" by those more experienced wrestlers.
2. He lost only by ONE point to one of them.
3. Competing against better opponents always makes one better.
The first kid beat him, point wise ( by 8), but...he did not get pinned. This particular kid won the State Title last year. We told Stewie he should be holding his head HIGH as "You gave that experienced kid a good run for his money. You have only been on the mats for 1 full year.... imagine if you've had 6 years of learning...things may have been turned out a little differently". Yet, Stewie still cried over the loss. I imagine we will chase this kid around in tournaments for the next couple of years.
Same thing today, Stewie's first match, he grabbed a kid with loads of experience. Did not get pinned and only lost by one point...final score 4 to 3. Not bad, Stewie! No need for tears...Once again...hold that head of yours up HIGH!!! *nodding*
Now, from the Mom's point of view, I have decided I do NOT like to watch this sport. I can't explain it. I do not have a good time. I feel the pain, both physically & mentally, for all the boys in EVERY match, even the boys I do not know...sheeez.
My boys have always played "team" sports...soccer, baseball, basketball. I have 2 soccer Goalies in the family & had a pitcher in baseball for a couple of years. But I do not feel the same anx in those sports as I do for Wrestling. Swimming, Tennis, Track, Golf, Bowling they are also "individual" sports...do those parents feel the same anx as I do with Wrestling? I tend to think they do not...no physical contact...but I am sure some of the same life lessons are learned are the same though!
Now, don't get me wrong, I know this sport is not for all kids. For example, my oldest would never even think about going out on the mat. He is a "lover", not a "fighter". It is just not in his "soul" to be that physical or maybe more important to ENDURE that kind of physical pain. Although, being a soccer Goalie he has his own demons to deal with... (team mates who blame him for each & every goal scored -- but he is a people "handler" - he knows how to deal with those team mates mentally & that is a secret all successful Goalies know...you know, SMILE when you are really chewing out a team mate so no one else knows what is really being said especially other team...giving ball to other team (over the midfield line of course) when no one "feels" they can get open... no excuse for not being able to get open... only laziness!
There are very good lessons to be learned in the sport of Wrestling. I see the boys shake hands with each opponent before the match. At the end of match they also walk over to opponents coach and shake hands with them as well. The boys watch their team mates at every match & offer support to their fellow mates..whether the team mate won or lost (as team mates have experienced both wins & losses as well)...learning what to say at appropriate times & in appropriate environments which are all very important life skills. I am thankful for that!
I will not let Stewie know of the personal dilemma I face each week during this sporting season. I will continue to go to each match/tournament & give him the support he needs & deserves, even though it kills my soul to endure the pain of each boy.
I thank you all in advance for those who chose to send private thoughts of encouragement to Maple Leaf Red for this extremely trying & tough sporting season of winter '09. :-).
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