In his tenth year of wrestling, my son wrestled six matches at State last weekend. Five of his opponents he had never wrestled before. I just thought that was great. Anyone have a similar story?

I bet you didn't think that was great when he lost his first match!! My kid did that to me one year. Guess I should have clarified what I meant when I told him that he needed more mat time............He must have thought "I'll lose this first one so I get a bunch more on the back side..........."

This was my sons 8th year of making it to state and 1st time of placing. He also lost his 1st match and had to work off the back side to take 5th. He beat 3 amazing wrestlers he has never been able to beat before. Lost to the same person twice. Beat 1 wrestler we had never seen before. Emotional roller coaster for mom, dad, siblings and coach.

My boy and another wrestler have battled and had close matches from 10u to 14u going back and fourth the last few years. Always the same weight every year, everyone else getting heavier, ours the same. I got to hang out with his parents and we got to share a lot of the same emotions we each felt through the years seeing each wrestlers name in the same brackets. I had a great conversation with his mother during state as we wished each other good luck as our boys head off to different classes in HS, and a hope that we can root for each other against different wrestlers. Lots of ups and downs on both sides, but worth the ride as they helped prepare each other!

Bronson,
It has been an honor to watch Tristan and Colton battle. I feel they have both gained something because of it. I am glad that Travis and I had the opportunity to hang out with you and get to know you more on a personal level. This sport is filled with tremendous highs and lows, however the friendships gained along the last 12 years have been worth it. The Stalford family got to witness so many of the boys former rivals in the finals this weekend. It felt great to cheer them on! Again, good luck to Tristan has he begins, what I predict, will be an outstanding high school wrestling experience. Thank you also for your positive outlook on this sport and to this forum. I can always count on you to get everything into perspective.

Lora Stalford

Thanks Lora! See u in Iowa!!!! Will be fun.