Posted By: Coach G
What is your purpose? - 04/01/10 12:10 AM
I have been involved w/ wrestling for over 20 years and I'm only 29. In the beginning I could not wrestle because I had a brain tumor. I had the tumor removed superbowl weekend 1985 or 1986. I remember watching the challenger explode when I came out of surgery. The tumor was removed but I had a shunt put in and the Dr.'s said I would have to have it replaced through out the rest of my life.
My body rejected the shunt in 1988, and the Dr.'s had to remove it. The Lord blessed me, I have not had complications w/ it since. God is Good!
My older brother was able to wrestle, however he did not have much success right away. He went three years before recording his first victory. He later went on to become a 2X state Champ and 3X AA at the next level. He was not a D1 wrestler but he had the ability. Now he gives back to our great sport.
I watched my brother learn how to win w/ hard work, and my dad not allowing him to quit or make excuses. This was possible because my dad allowed Coach Knox to coach w/o to much interference.
December 1993, my prayers were answered. The Dr.'s cleared me to wrestle. What was once only a dream, became my reality. I finished 4th at state my first year. By my senior year I was ablel to win 1 high school state championship. Plus I was able to go to college for the sport I had grown to love.
At one point I prided myself in knowing that no one worked harder than me. I knew I was blessed so I had to work to show gratitude for the blessing I had received. In college I took that work ethic w/ me. But when I did not see results of it quickly. somewhere along the way I lost sight of the love I had for the sport which I was blessed to participate in. I put things in my body that did not belong and I made horrible choices. Which led to the disappointment of myself, parents, coaches, and family. I was back home, w/o a degree when I made it to my senior year.
I was lost for about a year, and then my faith, wife, family and wrestling all gave me the strength to get up and do something. I was taught not to quit. When you fall to get back up. I thank God for my parents and the lessons they tought me along the way. I had a coach tell me somenthing bad is going to happen in a match (life). But he asked me how ould I respond? That question stuck with me. It was foresight.
I made up in my mind that I was not going to allow my failures to be in vain. I wanted to make sure that the kids coming up behind me would not make the same mistakes that I did. Plus, I felt like I could help Coach Knox, My cousin Danny, My Dad and the club maintain producing the states best wrestlers.
Life is hard, so are wrestlers. My purpose is to build relationships, not tear them down. Help kids ge
t better in the sport of wrestling and become better men.......
Remember I am blessed and if were not for the Lord, I would not be here. My Purpose is to inspire, help the youth, build relationships, and Show Christ.
So I want to thank the people who helped me become the man I am.
I Thank God, my parents, brother, Coach Knox, Coach Danny and Pops (Team D), Coach Watkins, Coach Denny, Coach Higdon, Coach Oliver, my family for their support and everyone else who has impacted my life.
Thanks...... So, what is your purpose?
"Winners never quit, and quitters never win"
Gaylen Taylor (TOHK)
My body rejected the shunt in 1988, and the Dr.'s had to remove it. The Lord blessed me, I have not had complications w/ it since. God is Good!
My older brother was able to wrestle, however he did not have much success right away. He went three years before recording his first victory. He later went on to become a 2X state Champ and 3X AA at the next level. He was not a D1 wrestler but he had the ability. Now he gives back to our great sport.
I watched my brother learn how to win w/ hard work, and my dad not allowing him to quit or make excuses. This was possible because my dad allowed Coach Knox to coach w/o to much interference.
December 1993, my prayers were answered. The Dr.'s cleared me to wrestle. What was once only a dream, became my reality. I finished 4th at state my first year. By my senior year I was ablel to win 1 high school state championship. Plus I was able to go to college for the sport I had grown to love.
At one point I prided myself in knowing that no one worked harder than me. I knew I was blessed so I had to work to show gratitude for the blessing I had received. In college I took that work ethic w/ me. But when I did not see results of it quickly. somewhere along the way I lost sight of the love I had for the sport which I was blessed to participate in. I put things in my body that did not belong and I made horrible choices. Which led to the disappointment of myself, parents, coaches, and family. I was back home, w/o a degree when I made it to my senior year.
I was lost for about a year, and then my faith, wife, family and wrestling all gave me the strength to get up and do something. I was taught not to quit. When you fall to get back up. I thank God for my parents and the lessons they tought me along the way. I had a coach tell me somenthing bad is going to happen in a match (life). But he asked me how ould I respond? That question stuck with me. It was foresight.
I made up in my mind that I was not going to allow my failures to be in vain. I wanted to make sure that the kids coming up behind me would not make the same mistakes that I did. Plus, I felt like I could help Coach Knox, My cousin Danny, My Dad and the club maintain producing the states best wrestlers.
Life is hard, so are wrestlers. My purpose is to build relationships, not tear them down. Help kids ge
t better in the sport of wrestling and become better men.......
Remember I am blessed and if were not for the Lord, I would not be here. My Purpose is to inspire, help the youth, build relationships, and Show Christ.
So I want to thank the people who helped me become the man I am.
I Thank God, my parents, brother, Coach Knox, Coach Danny and Pops (Team D), Coach Watkins, Coach Denny, Coach Higdon, Coach Oliver, my family for their support and everyone else who has impacted my life.
Thanks...... So, what is your purpose?
"Winners never quit, and quitters never win"
Gaylen Taylor (TOHK)