Steve,

I sounds like you are on track and that you have some sound reasoning from Mr Davis to help you to the finish line. I have been involved in Kansas Kids wrestling as a wrestler (started at age 8 in 1973), as a volunteer coach in college for three years, and as a volunteer (dad) coach since my two oldest boys started wrestling nine years ago. Here is the my experience (reality) with my kids in the sport (one that I am head over heals passionate about).

Son number one: Started at eight, worked hard in practice and in matches, never cried when getting beat (which was a lot - won four matches in three years), but didn't have a mean bone in his body. It just wasn't his cup of tea.

Son number two: Started at 6 1/2, natural gift to be a wrestler (fairly strong, great balance, flexible, attitude, desire to win), hated to lose, and had total melt downs when he did. Had I pushed him early on I think he would have rebelled and probably quit. He has grown into a fine wrestler getting ready to enter high school next year, not the best, but pretty solid. He had to figure it out his way.

Son number three: Started at 5 (I thought he was an identical twin of son number two, just eight years apart in age). He has very good physical qualities, much like son number two, but he is a screwball with a very short attention span. When he wrestles, his body is on the mat but his head is in another zip code, possibly another state. I don't know what to do with him as my patience seems to wear with age.

Son number four: He will turn three in March. My wife tells me that he will be our next wrestler. We will see.

As for me, I'm pretty much turning into a vegetable with my mind wrapped so heavily around the sport.