If they're walkin' they're wrestling. Injury? Their bones aren't even hard yet, their like rubber.

All kidding aside, I'd have to agree with other posts about age appropriateness. In fact, I'd have to say the early age does not necessarily make the best wrestler. I started in 8th grade after getting cut from basketball and I had a successful career as an athlete. Laurice Reagans, my state champ from Wichita Southeast started his freshman year and was champ his junior year. And his road to champ was tough, each person he beat had actually beat him the in every meeting before the state tourney. My point is that the cream will rise to the top.

My kids know that the "he's been wrestling since he was five" is not a valid excuse for a loss. It may make mom and dad feel better, but it doesn't cut it in my room. I am the example, they have met Laurice and he is the example. Don't succumb to the theory that the longer a kid wrestles the better he is. Forcing a kid (though sometimes is needed) will create an athlete whose heart is not in it, and we have all seen that in the high school ranks.

Anyway, that's my take. Good luck to Abilene and tell Coach Gable I said hello.

coach gibson