As i look back on this season, my son was a high school freshman this year, i see high and low emotional moments mostly for myself as a evolving parent of a high school wrestler.

my son set his goals as getting on varsity, having a .500 season and a chance to control his own destiny in qualifying for state. He easily met those. He could have wrestled JV, had a outstanding record and taken the year to get acclimated. I truly admire his risking success.

For the first time in my son's wrestling career, i had to be the parent not the coach/parent. it was tough, very tough. As a former high school coach, i remember clearly how tough it was dealing with involved parents at times, and i always vowed that with my son i would be the perfect, supportive cheering parent. I don't know if i can say i met my goals.

Perhaps i should model after my son, do my best, take my lumps, adjust, learn and go on better for the experience.

Wrestling families are different, We know the sport, through and through, go the NCAA tourney sometime, you will meet the most informed fans in the college sports world. It is amazing.

I thank you USAWKS for being that thread that has run through my sons and my life. The constant pursuit of excellence and the effort that it takes.