It all started when I asked my seasoned wrestler husband if we should offer our son the opportunity to wrestle on his school’s youth wrestling program. Little did I know that I would be lectured of what it means to be a wrestler. You see, I am no stranger to hard work in sports. Being a veteran swimmer myself you could not convince me that there was another sport out there that took as much dedication as swimming did, but then our 6-year-old started wrestling.
James A. Garfield school district in Garrettsville, OH welcomed us with open arms to join their Youth Wrestling Program. From the very first practice, I realized I was about to witness a whole new level of commitment and grit. Wrestling, unlike swimming, was not just about physical endurance; it was a mental battle, too. The discipline required was apparent in the way the young athletes moved, their determination evident in every grapple and takedown. My husband, with his years of experience, explained how wrestling teaches resilience and self-reliance. Each match is a test of not only strength but also strategy and heart. Watching our son on the mat, I saw him grow more confident with each practice, learning to push past his limits and embrace the challenges head-on, literally. As the weeks went by, the fellowship among the team members became apparent. They supported each other through victories and defeats, forming bonds with adults and athletes alike, something a young family like mine needed. It was heartwarming to see our son thriving in an environment that valued effort and perseverance.
In the end, I realized that while my sports had shaped me, wrestling was now shaping him, instilling a tenacity and spirit that would serve him well beyond the mat. It was a journey I never expected to take, but one that I was grateful for, as it brought our family closer and taught us all valuable lessons about strength and determination.
