Saturday, May 29, 2010

Men Wrestle...

When I was a young wrestler, a popular t-shirt within the wrestling community stated, "boys play basketball, men wrestle." Not only is this statement disingenuous, it's the mentality that hurts our sport most. The statement is the epitome of taking the fun out of wrestling.

First of all, wrestling doesn't merely make an individual a man. Manhood is not defined by your activities or status. Manhood is defined by roles and responsibilities; who he is and what he does in obedience to God. This statement suggests that wrestling turns a boy into a man simply by participating. Clearly, this is not true.

The second part of the statement that hurts our sport is that is assumes the reputable sport must omit the word "play." As a child, I often heard wrestling parents explain to others that individuals "play" basketball, "play" baseball, "play" football, "play" soccer, but no one will "play" wrestling. If this is our sales pitch, the sport will die quickly. We need to put the play back into wrestling.

At its core, wrestling is playful. As an infant, one of the first activities I participated in was wrestling with my father. It was innocent and joyful. It was also extremely playful.

Wrestling is play.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Magic Helmet

The Magic Helmet

This video is brilliant. I'm not going to take the limelight with my thoughts. Watch for yourself. This is youth sports:

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Body Bar Women's Nationals - Kissimmee, FL - Sunday, May 16th, 2010

This is our last night in Central Florida. We spent the evening eating pizza on our king sized bed next a hyper little boy who just had the best weekend of his entire life. We watched the Miss USA pageant while Isaiah crawled all over us. It was great few hours before he fell asleep.

Today we went to Cocoa Beach. Emily and Gabby had their hearts on spending time in the ocean so we made the hour and a half drive to the Atlantic Coast. We were there for about three hours before coming back to Kissimmee. Poor Liz came back with major sunburn on her legs and shoulders. I really hope she recovers quickly.

This tournament marked the end of the season for Emily. She worked very hard this season and overcame a lot of adversity while constantly improving. Her efforts in the practice room didn't always show in how she competed. I get to see the daily progress, though, and she's very close to putting everything together. I'm proud of her for the choices that she's made over the past two years since coming to River Falls. I'm confident her hard work will start to show more and more next year. This year she developed a solid "go-to" shot and actually has a few great throws. There is still work to be done, but she has a few tools in the tool box now. As she becomes more comfortable, you'll see them in competition. She's always bringing something new to wrestling (and life) that challenges me to approach situations in a brand new way.

When I return home, I'll begin the Victory Tour - two weeks of intense practices in a different location each night. I'm excited about the opportunity to reach many more athletes with the "message of Victory." I have big expectations for the next two weeks.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Body Bar Women's Nationals - Kissimmee, FL - Saturday, May 15th, 2010

It's just after 10:00pm, but feels like it's well after midnight. Today started very early and without time to rest or eat, I feel pretty exhausted. The wrestling tournament went fairly well. The NYAC girls were 4-for-4. Four competitors and four champions...not bad for a day's work. My other two girls, Emily and Gabby, didn't place.

Generally speaking, what more can one ask from the four NYAC athletes? They all dominated their respective weight classes and Helen Maroulis was named Outstanding Wrestler. Between the four of them, they didn't lose a single period and surrendered a total of three match points the entire tournament. By most standards, all signs are pointing in the right direction. The typical wrestling fan would see four Junior world team members. Others may find interest in writing an article about the quad of females who have competed all over the US this year, but I'm not the typical wrestling fan.

As most people see the outcome as desirable, I saw something different today. Within every wrestling match, there are many smaller matches taking place. As a wrestling coach, these are the matches that I tune into. Not only was I watching the match differently; I was watching an entirely different match. I was looking at the process for which they reaching their outcome.

Too many people make decisions based on outcome in wrestling. We decide that one person is on their way to greatness because they're winning matches. However, what's most important in understanding their development is if they're doing the little things right to earn their victory in the first place. There are a lot of circumstances that are taken out of the equation when we judge a performance based solely on the outcome.

In my opinion, one of the most significant matches within the match comes down to a few basic positions and the ability to control them. For instance, hand fighting, head position, and lateral motion are the most important elements to winning at an elite level. And those basic positions can be broken down much further (I don't have time to go into it tonight!).

Additionally, the way one prepares for competition says a lot about the individual's capacity to continually improve in the less-than-glamorous pieces of the overall wrestling puzzle (most centered on positioning). As I've stated in previous blogs, we compete in a sports culture that rewards the early bloomer and the athletically gifted and talented individuals. Talent can take athletes to great heights. Unfortunately, talent can also be a mask for what's really taking place "behind the scenes." With talented athletes, things go so well so often that we forget to pay attention to their behavior and mind set, resulting in a lack of accountability. This is precisely why the "process" needs to be valued over the "outcome" in most cases.

I'm not trying to lead you on a wild goose chase with these thoughts. I'm attempting to be transparent in how I see our sport. I do my best to be rational and objective and while doing this I often see something different than most. The results will show the NYAC going 4-for-4 while I saw room for vast improvement on many levels and not all of them are inside that 30-foot circle.

At this point, I'm on the fence as to believe all four of them will make the necessary adjustments to continue this success at the senior-level. I'm very confident that one of them will and have a lot of hope for one other. Wrestling is a very simple sport when it's broken down, but we make it complex because we fail to see the "writing on the wall" with certain athletes. It takes something special to do what's necessary to be successful at the highest levels. Some athletes never take that step. I hope these 4 do.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Body Bar Women's Nationals - Kissimmee, FL - Friday, May 14, 2010

Today was a "lazy" day as we prepared for registration and weigh-ins. Registration begins tonight at 8:00pm in our hotel. The girls that I'm responsible for had their weight under control so I was able to relax for a while with Liz and Isaiah.

Around 11:00am this morning, Alaina brought it to my attention that today there would be a space shuttle launch from Kennedy Space Station. I became very excited as a space shuttle launch has always been an event that I've wanted to see (it's actually on my list of 100 things to do before I die...yes, I have a hard copy). So we frantically tried to get everything organized to make the 50 minute drive to Cocoa Beach to watch the launch of Atlantis.

We were severely behind schedule, but regardless, we gave it our best effort and got within 30 miles at launch time. Along with hundreds of other cars, we pulled over on the shoulder and watched Atlantis climb for about 8 minutes. It was a spectacular site even from that distance. I feel like I can cross it off the list, however, I'd love to see it up close and be able to hear the boosters.

On the drive back, we drove all over the Kissimmee/Celebration neighborhood, passing by all of the Disney resorts and theme parks. We're still up in the air on what park, if any, we're going to tackle on Sunday. It's still extremely warm in Central Florida, so it might not be a wise to spend an entire outside with an infant. I'm sure he's up for it, though. He's been a gem on this trip (so far).

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Body Bar Women's Nationals - Kissimmee, FL - Thursday, May 13, 2010

We flew into Orlando, FL this morning and arrived to scorching hot Central Florida weather. It was exactly what we were hoping for after a week of miserable weather in Wisconsin. I don't feel bad telling my fellow Wisconsinites that it's actually border-line too warm here. We're in Kissimmee (an Orlando suburb) in the name of wrestling, but we plan on taking full advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a few attractions Orlando has to offer.

Tomorrow evening, our girls weigh-in and they'll compete all day on Saturday. That gives us all of Sunday to enjoy Disney, Universal Studios or Sea World (or all three). We haven't decided exactly what we're going to do. We may just end up sitting poolside at the Holiday Inn enjoying the sun.

The Body Bar Nationals are the USA Wrestling FILA Cadet and FILA Junior National Championships. They also serve as a qualifier for the Junior World Team and Junior Pan Am Team. Last year, Emily (Harper) finished 3rd and was able to compete in Guadalarja, Mexico at the Junior Pan Am Championships. We're hoping and expecting the same from her this year. I'll also be leading the NYAC contigiency which includes Victoria Anthony, Helen Maroulis, Veronica Carlson and Amy Whitbeck. Vicki and Helen are coming to Victory in River Falls to before the World Team Trials after this event.

Our day started very early this morning. Since our flight was scheduled for a 7:00am departure from Minneapolis, we had to leave our house at 5:00am. That's usually a fairly easy task, except Liz and Isaiah made a late decision to join us on this trip, so it required a little more planning. It still went very smoothly. Isaiah had no interest in sleeping on the plane, though. Once the plane touched the ground, he fell asleep across our laps. It provided him enough rest to be wild and crazy all day. It was fun.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Wrestling and the Fruit of the Spirit

I've heard athletes, coaches and parents describe the character traits that they're looking to aquire by being involved in athletics. I hear committed, cooperative, dependibile, dedicated, disciplined, perserverance, team work, etc. These are great qualities for an individual to possess, however they have the potential for great harm if not fostered properly.

I like to use an analogy with my parents during meetings that starts with asking them what character traits they desire to see their children learn while being involved in youth sports. The lists are always very predictable and extremely similar, even cliche. They include the words mentioned above plus a few more. Then, I throw a twist into the conversation by asking what makes these traits exceptional. They're desirable while most "bad" people in our society act inapporpriately by using these same traits. For example, people in prison (and/or terrorists) are very committed, dedicated, disciplined, persevering team players. They may very well posses all the traits you'd like to see your son/daughter have. If those traits are not fostered in a healthy way by promoting an individual to do the most good with what they have, they could have adverse affects.

The most desirable character traits are found in the nature of Christ. Paul described these key traits as fruit of the Spirit. As a coach, my mission is to incorporate these traits into our program and instill them in our athletes. These nine traits are the core of the character at Victory. When these are cultivated properly, the secondary character traits can be very positive additions to our overall character. However, if we miss the fruit of the Spirit, we miss everything and those same secondary character traits can become destructive.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22. Imagine if our athletes sought these traits before all others. How different would the culture of youth sports be if these were demonstrated on a regular basis? Take the first two (love and joy), for example:

LOVE
The definition of love is God (1 John 4:8). Now, that's a standard unattainable by human beings, but consider 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It's the famous scripture read at so many weddings:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Read that passage of scripture again. Seriously, read it again.

Now, be still for a moment. Can you imagine how different our sports culture would be if we acted in love? It would be astonishing and remarkable. What's more is that we have the individual freedom to choose how to respond in all situations. How about we choose love.

JOY
Our status doesn't determine our joy. Joy comes from deep down inside. Remember the Sunday school song, "I've got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart." Joy is in our hearts. It's not out there somewhere, it's inside our hearts. It doesn't come from winning championships or stacking up credentials. You won't find joy by being accepted by others or earning favor somewhere. Outside circumstances cannot determine our joy; joy always satisfies.

Colossians 1:27 says that Christ in you is the hope of glory. Philippians 1 says that Jesus is joy. Using simple math, that means that my joy is Jesus and Jesus is in me! My joy is not determined by my status, but what Christ is doing in me and through me.

Break down the rest on your own and imagine how different our culture would be if we coached value and purpose by seeking to add the fruit of the Spirit. It would be truly exemplrary to attend a youth sporting event (like a wrestling tournament) and see the fruit of the Spirit dripping out of every athlete, coach and spectator.


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Take a peek at Matthew 5:3-10 (beattitudes) if you'd like to see more desirable character traits. Don't be afraid to think outside the box in order to see your athletes grow into the men and women they were created to be. For example, we should champion meekness over team work. If we're sincerely meek, we'll be great team players.

Monday, May 3, 2010

You never know who's watching...

Some of the best advice I ever received from my dad was "you never know who's watching..."

This simple sentence can mean so much in many different ways. It can hold one accountable to high standards of excellence and it has the power to enslave an individual with legalism. Regardless of how you interpret this simple phrase, it's important to remember.

As a student teacher, my cooperating teacher told me to always do my best and be my best as a teacher because everything is a job interview. He said, one never knows who's going to be on the committee that may or may not choose to hire you. It's a scary thought, but oh, so true.

I've taken advantage of opportunities to network within the wrestling community and I have accumulated many contacts as a result. I've been sought out by many because of my past accomplishments as a local athlete, but I've built bridges elsewhere with more prominent figures than myself to become further educated and to stay sharp. This has helped many doors open for athletes that I'm associated with and, unfortunately, it's closed some doors for others when I've been asked to speak on the character or work ethic of an individual. It's interesting...you never know who's watching...

I've been around many athletes and coaches in a variety of rolls and as a perceptive individual, I'm always surveying what is taking place around me. I take special notice of athletes who are exceptional and I make it a point to tell others about the championships qualities I see in others. On the contrary, I also make special note of those who are much less exceptional under certain circumstances.

Recently, an important NCAA coach called me to discuss the character of an athlete who was interested in attending his institution and being a part of his wrestling program. This coach was seeking an honest evaluation from someone who had seen many sides of this prospective student-athlete. I recalled an experience occurring five years ago that involved this individual. I had told a group of unruly athletes that someday I might be called on as a character reference for them and that I would speak honestly to those in question. A few of the athletes "learned their lesson" while others didn't. Unfortunately, the athlete in question in this particular instance hadn't demonstrated to me at any time that he had learned his lesson. I clearly explained myself to this coach and he said that he was going to pass on the athlete. It was difficult for me to play a role in this kid's future, but it was the right thing to do. Everything is a job interview and you never know who's watching...

I'm also privileged to speak on the character of many great individuals. Jake Filkins, for example, was one of my favorite athletes at Victory School of Wrestling (I'd like to still claim him). He never won a high school state title, but I saw something inside him that inspired me to contact a few college coaches. In a conversation about Jake, I remember telling Joe Russell from the University of Minnesota that he would make the program better just by being on the team. I have vivid memories of Jake pushing himself beyond his physical and emotional capacity (The Gauntlet, grind matches, etc.), but I was most impressed by how cordial and polite he was when my wife was at Victory. He also went out of his way to help and demonstrated admirable leadership qualities by humbly serving others. His simple acts of kindness made it easy for me to tell coach Russell that he needed Jake. One can never have enough "good guys" in their program. Everything is a job interview and you never know who's watching...

I offer a clean slate to every athlete that walks through the doors at Victory or that I brush by at the many events that I attend. It's up to them what portrait they want to paint of themselves. However, I'm watching and looking for those teachable moments and evaluating their character. I believe I'm quick to offer grace (thanks to Jesus in my life) and strive to help individuals turn tragedy into triumph...and I'm always watching...

Everything is a job interview and you never know who's watching.