First and foremost I'd like to say that the idea behind this link really brings warmth to my heart. I think as coaches and parents and officials we all get too caught up in the idea of medals and prizes and championships and don't stop to realize why we still do this sport. That we love it. This is truly the most tried and tested sport throughout history, and the reason it remains is because it is the true test of everything of you Versus everything of them. Which leads to inferiority complexes, and compensating arguments that may, or may not, be the most positive
I'd like to explain my situation before I say all the positive things in my life; I'm a senior this year, the day before regionals I was suspended from school. Therefore, I couldn't wrestle for my team at regionals. I've wrestled all four years, always with the focus of winning state this year. And the stage was set for me to do so, not without some major struggle and incredible opponents along the way, but still it was possible for me to do so. Now the positive in my life
1) I wake up every morning, healthy, sober, and breathing, because the Good Lord allows me to.
2) I have the most supportive set of parents I could ever ask for. And my team,and coaches, and any others affiliated supported me through this, truly teaching me that TEAM goes beyond two hours everyday after school, and past the 12- hour Saturdays.
3) This weekend my team qualified all 13 guys we brought to regionals, a school record, a team goal, and overall the most proud accomplishment so far that I've seen in our high school career.
4) The guy that went in my place was a JV kid with minor varsity experience, drew the 6 seed, pinned the 3 seed just to make it to state. When I heard he got in and that he cried. I cried. Getting to share joy within my team is a positive aspect of my life I may never get again.
5) Next weekend I get to travel to state to watch and cheer on a group of 13 guys, 2 coaches, and 4 managers that I can say I truly love. And if that's not a blessing then I don't know what is.
6) Next year I'm going to wrestle in college, hopefully in Kansas, so I can watch this sport that we all love passionatley, come back into this state.
7) This stepping stone in my life is merely a lesson I needed to learn, for this lesson I am blessed, and regardless I will support my team, and I will praise the Lord every step of the way.
That is what is positive in my life right now. And honestly, I couldn't ask for more.
Ben Randolph
bd_ran2012@yahoo.com
