I can honestly see both sides of this problem. What we do with our club is we encourage the kids to participate in the middle school programs but ultimately leave it up to the parents and the wrestler.

Personally, I disagree with those who think wrestling is not a team sport. I think it is one of the best team sports because it is the individual effort combined with that of his teammates that build the success for the team. You can't blame the defense/offense, you can't blame the dropped pass, etc. The individual aspect of wrestling and the success you have is directly proportional to the work you put in. From the team perspective this helps motivate other team members. Because of the tough nature of our sport, I feel the bonds formed by teammates in wrestling are closer than almost any other sport I have ever been associated with.

WRESTLING IS A TEAM SPORT at the Middles School, High School, and Collegiate level. In my opinion, it is the greatest team sport because of the reasons above.

I also think one of the factors that contributes to the challenge we face with middle school wrestlers choosing club vice school teams is the rule about high school coaches not being able to coach their kids in the off season. I don't understand that rule. My high school coach was our kids coach and he took us to the tournaments in the summers, etc. This all helped with the team concept and helped eliminate the controversy of doing club vice middle school wrestling. As a wrestler the practices were the same and the technique we were learning were an extension of the club program.

I think this could help alleviate some of the issues. Just my thoughts.

Shawn Budke