Perspective of a Youth Wrestler

It was day two of our Mini Warriors Camp and I always enjoy watching youth wrestlers figure things out.  They have so many different perspectives about wrestling and just life, in general.  And sometimes they say the darndest things.

Today a wrestler shared with me that he needed a new wrestling partner because he was “escaping him” too easily and believed he needed someone better.  Never mind the other kid was bigger, stronger, and much better.  The reason he was escaping him was only because he kept getting taken down.  Over and over the little guy crashed to the mat and worked back up to his feet and turned and faced the much more experienced wrestler who basically just let him go.

It was kind of like that story about the kid who tossed the baseball up in the air and swung and missed.  All alone, he tossed it in the air and missed three times in row.  He concluded that he was the greatest pitcher.

Perspective matters.

I love hearing stories about little kids doing silly things on the mat.  Let us know if you have one that made you laugh.

Mini Warriors Camp - Day 1

We had a fun day with our mini wrestlers today!  During our camp season, we like to utilize the "warrior" theme with our age levels (prior to high school).  The Mini Warriors is our youngest age group and is filled by kids PreK-2nd.  Next is Little Warriors then Ultimate Warriors.

We had a handful of high school wrestlers there to help and our coach to athlete ratio was terrific.  I appreciate when the youngest youth wrestlers maintain focus, follow directions well, and have fun.  Our high school kids helped a ton.  I also appreciate seeing them "give back" and inspire the next generation of hammers.

There's one more day of Mini Warriors and then that age group will only have "Summer School" classes remaining this summer.  We're looking to add a few new youth options during the fall and throughout the season and we hope many of these kids will choose to participate.

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there.  I’m grateful for my dad (and grandfathers who have passed).  I was fortunate to go out to dinner and ice cream with my 3 sons and wife. 

The 212 Speech

This morning we did a workout on the "Dam Stairs."  It's a staple workout at our camps.  It's less than a mile to the stairs made of railroad ties at the Lower Dam of the Kinnikinnick River.  There are 88 stairs in the woods leading down to the lower end of the river.  The stairs are unevenly spaced and it's long enough to the top that your legs are sure to burn a bit on each repetition. 

At the end of the run, we always give a version of the 212 speech - water boils at 212 degrees.  We talk about putting energy into making a change.  However, often times we’re close to that breakthrough or changing of states and stop (or quit) before.  We don’t know how close we are because 185 degrees and 210 degrees feel the same: hot.  Unfortunately, sometimes we’re right next to the breakthrough and stop not realizing how close we are.

So we have to remind ourselves to push until the change happens.  Believe the new state is a reality.  If we put enough into it.

Exclusive Camp - Girls Day 1

We have about 15 female athletes at our first girls Exclusive Camp.  We target our most committed athletes and take a weekend to focus on going deep in mindset and goal setting.  It’s similar to a retreat with intense workouts.

Our two off the mat sessions included creating a plan that reflects your goals and consistency matters.

As we continue to challenge our most committed wrestlers, we have to maintain consistency and focus on the plan.

How will you watch Final X?

Final X is tomorrow and we're set to watch it at a girl's wrestling camp at Victory School of Wrestling.  Our Girls Exclusive Camp is Friday through Sunday.  Athletes "camp" at Victory on the mats.

Obviously, we had hoped to be in the event with a few athletes, but that's not how it worked out for us this season.  Now we'll watch both rounds between sessions at camp.

We've had the opportunity to watch high level wrestling at camps in the past and it has always been a great experience for the campers.  We've watched the Olympic Games the past two cycles on the projector at Victory and have gathered to watch the World Championships, too.  Obviously, it's always best when we have an athlete (or more) competing in these big events.  We have several connections to many of those competing tomorrow.

Watching these events with others, especially people who have competed in and/or coached in them, gives so many unique perspectives in one area. 

The first round is tomorrow at 2:00 PM and the second round is at 5:00 PM.  What are your plans for Final X?

Guest Post: JD's Reflection from Camp

An important note from JD from the Ben Kjar Standout camp on June 15, 2006:

Ben Kjar shared a lot of wrestling techniques and mental skills.  His formula for setting goals is called, "Calling Your Shot."

1. Call Your Shot: write down your goal

2. Shot Callers: name 2-3 people who will hold you accountable - coaches, teammates, parents, etc.

3. Shot Clock: set an expiration date for your goal or a date to achieve your goal

Pleasure and Pain: name rewards for achieving the goal and consequences for not achieving the goal.

Additional quote: don't be a Karen not calling your shots and not taking shots.

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JD is a recent graduate and will wrestle in college next season.