Here is an inspirational story about a young man that I know very well. Some of you may benefit from sharing this story with your wrestler.

March 28, 2007

In sports, it is rare that a team or individual can begin the season by losing 11 straight and still qualify for postseason play. But 11-year-old Garrett Girard beat the odds.

After finishing with an 18-12 record in the 10-U wrestling division last year, Garrett fell on hard times this season - literally. He did not win a match during his first four tournaments and endured his most difficult stretch of his six-year wrestling career.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/mar/28/local_wrestler_bounces_back_slow_start/

I remember when Tristan brought this article to me and told me he went to school with "this kid." Lol. He was so excited as he read that newspaper to see that someone else at his basketball crazy elementary school was out on the mat battling every weekend. Funny how down the road their paths would cross and they would have a good time beating each other up on the mat, and on the weekends laughing and joking around in the stands. In the long run, I think I will remember the great relationships that my boy has made, more so then those close matches he lost.

Great sport this wrestling. Good training for life....

Bronson,

The main reason I posted this article was because of the crazy insane stuff I was reading that day. I felt that a story like this might help get some parents' perspectives back in check. It is about the kids, the goal is to get them to wrestle in high school and maybe beyond, learn to respect your wrestler's opponents, learn to deal with their coaches and parents even when you have a tough time doing it, and realize that in a moment their career could end. This is a very tough sport. The kids that do it all earn my respect, whether they win State Championships or flounder around for a few years and pack it in. I wish the best to all who have ventured on the mat and believe that it will make you a better person in life.

By the way Bronson, our sons' paths crossing has led to our paths crossing, and for that, I am grateful.

Same here Brother!!!

Go Army!!!!!!!