Two female wrestlers qualified for the high school state tournament this weekend and the tournament is getting a lot of national media coverage. One of the female athletes, Cassy Herkleman from Cedar Falls, won the first ever match by a female at the state tournament after her opponent forfeited. He cited his personal faith as the motivating factor for his decision.
As you know, I am a "man of faith." I consider my personal relationship with God to be the most important thing in my life. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins (and the sins of all mankind) and that He is our only provision for eternal life. I also believe the Bible is God's inerrant word. I was never in the position of the wrestler from Lin-Mar High School, so I cannot say what course of action I would have taken.
Over the past seven years, I have become increasingly more involved in women's wrestling. Twice I've been a coach for Team USA at the World Championships, have attended many international, national and local women's wrestling events and have organized camps for females from the Olympic Training Center to local high schools and youth clubs. In the arena of women's wrestling, I believe that I have one of the most relevant opinions on the matter of "faith" and women's wrestling in the United States.
This young man was making a decision based on conviction of his personal faith. To this, I applaud his decision. I'm sure it was a very difficult decision and by choosing not to wrestle, he faces consequences. In this case, he is not allowed to win a high school state championship. I would imagine this was a goal of his and many people believed he was the favorite to win this season. I don't think this was a haphazard decision because there was a lot at stake for him. I believe wrestling is the ultimate metaphor for life. I teach my athletes that wrestling is about making difficult decisions and standing up for what you believe is right no matter what the consequences are. In the end, it's you (the individual) standing alone in the middle of the circle forced to trust your convictions. It appears this kid did exactly that. Life lesson learned: there's more to life than wrestling.
There's another side to this story, though, the one of Miss Herkleman. Unfortunately, this one gets missed all too often because she's already flooded with media attention. What is being applauded by the boy's choice to forfeit is his "respect for women." However, from the female athlete's perspective, the exact opposite is what is communicated. It needs to be said that there are a large number of chauvinist individuals who mask their distaste for female wrestling by claiming their "respect for women" when, in fact, they don't at all, especially wrestlers. Stating they "respect women" gives them a free pass to disregard the work of the female and mistreat her as an athlete. We need to call their bluff. The female athletes that I train have stated in very emotional ways time and time again that this act is the most disrespectful thing someone could do to them as an athlete. They have trained, overcome many adversities and obstacles and that all goes unnoticed when the wrestling community gives a free pass to individuals to simply forfeit to them. These females are following the same guidelines, rules and procedures and they want to compete. By the time one reaches the state tournament, certainly both athletes are putting themselves in a position to compete and assume the risks.
Clearly, there is a major gap in communication if the boy believes he is respecting women in a decision that ends up leaving women feeling disrespected at the highest degree. This is the number one reason I believe state associations need to step to the plate and take these decisions away from kids.
All of this media attention proves the time is right for every state association in the United States to offer a state-sanctioned women's wrestling option. I maintain that the only thing that is consistent across the entire world in terms of growth in women's wrestling is separating the boys and girls. As long as they are together, female participation is NEVER going to grow and we'll continually be faced with situations like the one in Iowa. As long as we judge how good a female athlete is by how well she does against boys, we will not advance the sport. Regardless of who is right in the above matter, someone suffered and someone is hurt...all in the name of wrestling. "Build it and they will come" - if we add women's wrestling, women will show up. I promise. Until that time comes, I believe we must respect each athlete as an athlete, regardless of gender. It's time that state associations take the next step.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Oh, the Bleeding Hearts
I've been out of commission for a few days after some minor personal health issues, so I might have a little more angst than normal. In an attempt to be as educated as possible, I took the time to check out a local rally. About 150 people gathered to "Kill the Bill" on the campus of UW-River Falls. They were there to protest the Wisconsin bill proposal that would affect state employees in a variety of ways.
I won't be taking a stance on this issue in this post. I do have an abundance of opinions about this bill and Scott Walker, but I'm not going to share them here. For the record, I did vote for Walker. I'm also a 31-year old licenced teacher who has never had a teaching job. This post is not about any of that or any of my thoughts about this bill.
What caught my attention most about this rally was the lack of professionalism that was displayed by nearly every individual who took the pulpit. The language certain individuals chose to use during the discourse was appalling. The clotting of the "emcee" was offensive and the overall tone was very disrespectful and rude. The attitude of these individuals did not soften my heart for any of the opposition in attendance today.
My best guess is the teachers and state union workers, particularly David Harswick, would not have approved of the representation they had on the campus at UW-RF today. I heard the phrase, "this is what democracy looks like" a number of times. Really? Is democracy about disrespectful, offensive complaining? Because that's what this protest was. I didn't see it as productive.
A local alderman who spoke against the bill is a graduate of UW-RF in Marketing Communications. How ironic is it that he stood on the steps of the University Center and did more harm for the marketing of his product and communicated in an obscene way that is sure to "turn off" the people who are on the fence? The "emcee" wore t-shirt of an obscure band with an image of a baby doll skeleton with blood draining out of the eyes. She made a choice to wear that shirt on a day that she would likely be on television. Disgusting. There were a few other local politicians who looked far less than unkempt. This was an opportunity to be heard, to be liked and to make a difference and, instead, they made a mockery of it by not taking it seriously. They were extremely unprofessional.
All opinions aside, I expect someone trying to sell me something to be professional about it. Take a shower, put on some respectable clothing and look like you're taking your position seriously. It didn't happen today at UW-RF.
I won't be taking a stance on this issue in this post. I do have an abundance of opinions about this bill and Scott Walker, but I'm not going to share them here. For the record, I did vote for Walker. I'm also a 31-year old licenced teacher who has never had a teaching job. This post is not about any of that or any of my thoughts about this bill.
What caught my attention most about this rally was the lack of professionalism that was displayed by nearly every individual who took the pulpit. The language certain individuals chose to use during the discourse was appalling. The clotting of the "emcee" was offensive and the overall tone was very disrespectful and rude. The attitude of these individuals did not soften my heart for any of the opposition in attendance today.
My best guess is the teachers and state union workers, particularly David Harswick, would not have approved of the representation they had on the campus at UW-RF today. I heard the phrase, "this is what democracy looks like" a number of times. Really? Is democracy about disrespectful, offensive complaining? Because that's what this protest was. I didn't see it as productive.
A local alderman who spoke against the bill is a graduate of UW-RF in Marketing Communications. How ironic is it that he stood on the steps of the University Center and did more harm for the marketing of his product and communicated in an obscene way that is sure to "turn off" the people who are on the fence? The "emcee" wore t-shirt of an obscure band with an image of a baby doll skeleton with blood draining out of the eyes. She made a choice to wear that shirt on a day that she would likely be on television. Disgusting. There were a few other local politicians who looked far less than unkempt. This was an opportunity to be heard, to be liked and to make a difference and, instead, they made a mockery of it by not taking it seriously. They were extremely unprofessional.
All opinions aside, I expect someone trying to sell me something to be professional about it. Take a shower, put on some respectable clothing and look like you're taking your position seriously. It didn't happen today at UW-RF.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Give the referees a break
I haven't been afraid to share my feelings about the conduct of adults at youth sporting events, particularly in the wrestling world. So, it probably comes as no surprise to hear me say that I'm becoming increasingly upset with the way people treat referees at wrestling tournaments.
Yesterday was an important day for high school wrestlers in Wisconsin because it was the first round of the state tournament qualifying tournaments. My father is a wrestling referee - he's pretty good, too - and he spent the entire day at a local regional tournament. Fortunately, he has watched an abundance of high level wrestling, so he has a keen eye for what is taking place on the mat. I believe this separates him from other referees in the area as he's consistently near the top of Wisconsin's ref-rankings. Still, he can't keep from telling me how awful coaches and parents treat him at dual meets and tournaments. He has horror stories nearly every time he takes the mat.
I can't help but wonder how much better the sport of wrestling would be if coaches spend as much energy focusing on their athletes as they do on the referee. What if the coaches instantly took responsibility for how their athletes competed? The entire culture of the sport would be positively influenced if athletes and coaches held themselves accountable at all times, instead of "blaming" the referee for their short comings.
I could go on and on and share numerous stories of how coaches, parents and athletes have acted out-of-line towards a referee, but I'm not going to take the time. Instead, I will raise the expectations of every wrestling fan reading this blog entry to treat referees kindly.
We are in need of referees at every level in every sport right now. One referee who worked with my dad claimed he will never referee a wrestling match again because of the way he was treated yesterday. How can this actually happen? If we care about our sport, no one should walk away from it because of bad experiences - referees included.
I've seen my fair share of bad calls, missed calls and no calls. And I've acted in a unsportsmanlike way towards a referee, so I can identify with everyone who thinks they have a right to be upset. However, the truth is you don't have the right to disrespect another human being and you never have the right to be an obscene jerk.
Once again, this is a classic case of wrestling people being bad for wrestling. I maintain that administrations, budget cuts, Title IX and all of the other excuses pale in comparison to the harm caused to the sport of wrestling by wrestling coaches and parents. We continue to undermine the development and growth of the sport by selfishly chasing away quality referees while discouraging anyone new from wanting to blow the whistle at all.
Yesterday was an important day for high school wrestlers in Wisconsin because it was the first round of the state tournament qualifying tournaments. My father is a wrestling referee - he's pretty good, too - and he spent the entire day at a local regional tournament. Fortunately, he has watched an abundance of high level wrestling, so he has a keen eye for what is taking place on the mat. I believe this separates him from other referees in the area as he's consistently near the top of Wisconsin's ref-rankings. Still, he can't keep from telling me how awful coaches and parents treat him at dual meets and tournaments. He has horror stories nearly every time he takes the mat.
I can't help but wonder how much better the sport of wrestling would be if coaches spend as much energy focusing on their athletes as they do on the referee. What if the coaches instantly took responsibility for how their athletes competed? The entire culture of the sport would be positively influenced if athletes and coaches held themselves accountable at all times, instead of "blaming" the referee for their short comings.
I could go on and on and share numerous stories of how coaches, parents and athletes have acted out-of-line towards a referee, but I'm not going to take the time. Instead, I will raise the expectations of every wrestling fan reading this blog entry to treat referees kindly.
We are in need of referees at every level in every sport right now. One referee who worked with my dad claimed he will never referee a wrestling match again because of the way he was treated yesterday. How can this actually happen? If we care about our sport, no one should walk away from it because of bad experiences - referees included.
I've seen my fair share of bad calls, missed calls and no calls. And I've acted in a unsportsmanlike way towards a referee, so I can identify with everyone who thinks they have a right to be upset. However, the truth is you don't have the right to disrespect another human being and you never have the right to be an obscene jerk.
Once again, this is a classic case of wrestling people being bad for wrestling. I maintain that administrations, budget cuts, Title IX and all of the other excuses pale in comparison to the harm caused to the sport of wrestling by wrestling coaches and parents. We continue to undermine the development and growth of the sport by selfishly chasing away quality referees while discouraging anyone new from wanting to blow the whistle at all.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Leaders I'm following
A few weeks ago one of my favorite leaders wrote a blog about prominent leaders that he's following in 2011. He threw out a few names that were new to me, so I checked some of them out. I thought it was appropriate to share with those who follow this blog the names of some very important leaders that are worth following this year.
Below is a list of current and relevant leaders - authors, bloggers, coaches, pastors, etc. - that I am choosing to invest time in reading and listening to what they have to offer on a variety of topics. I hope you take the time to look into their work and find inspiration in what they have to offer.
John Acuff
Randy Alcorn
Geno Auriemma
Glen Beck
Francis Chan
Shane Claiborne
Mark Driscoll
Tony Dungy
Steven Furtick
Louie Giglio
Malcolm Gladwell
Seth Godin
Craig Groeschel
Wayne Grudem
Mike Huckabee
Bill Hybels
Timothy Keller
John C. Maxwell
Erwin McManus
Blake Mycoskie
Daniel Pink
Andy Stanley
Henry Williams
I'm also a big fan of C.S. Lewis and A.W. Tozer.
Below is a list of current and relevant leaders - authors, bloggers, coaches, pastors, etc. - that I am choosing to invest time in reading and listening to what they have to offer on a variety of topics. I hope you take the time to look into their work and find inspiration in what they have to offer.
John Acuff
Randy Alcorn
Geno Auriemma
Glen Beck
Francis Chan
Shane Claiborne
Mark Driscoll
Tony Dungy
Steven Furtick
Louie Giglio
Malcolm Gladwell
Seth Godin
Craig Groeschel
Wayne Grudem
Mike Huckabee
Bill Hybels
Timothy Keller
John C. Maxwell
Erwin McManus
Blake Mycoskie
Daniel Pink
Andy Stanley
Henry Williams
I'm also a big fan of C.S. Lewis and A.W. Tozer.
Friday, February 4, 2011
What are you trying to sell?
I'm a huge fan of Seth Godin and read his blog daily. This idea sounds like something he would say, but this is an original thought. I'm certain you'll be able to identify with me on this even if it's outside my jurisdiction as a wrestling coach.
I have been enamored by the possibility of mobile Internet since I first used an air card six years ago. Internet everywhere is an awesome idea. I travel a fair amount and thought it was finally time to give it a try. I've been able to access my e-mail and Internet from my phone for a few years, but needed free wi-fi to get on with my computer. I did the math and right now it's more cost effective for me to use the mobile wi-fi option for my home and Victory. One service, one payment.
I went to the phone store and was excited to take a technological step in the right direction. I walked into the store wanting nothing more than Internet everywhere. The sales consultant told me about a certain mobile hotspot that offered 4G speed in areas with 4G service. He raved about how much faster 4G service was than anything else. He assured me that when 4G is not available, the 3G service is faster than traditional DSL. I've had DSL since 2000, so I'm quite familiar (and usually satisfied) with the speed. He warned that 3G may not be best for customers who download a lot of movies or for online gaming. I don't do either so I thought this "upgrade" would be wonderful.
The problem is 4G is not available in my hometown and 3G is much slower than what I'm used to. I still have internet everywhere, but now I'm an unsatisfied customer because I'm not getting what I thought I was paying for.
Here's the point: I just wanted mobile wi-fi. I didn't care if it was slower. When he told me it was going to be faster, though, I expected that it would be. He had me at "hello," so why did he pump-up his protect even more? I would have been extremely satisfied had he not told me I was getting more.
I have been enamored by the possibility of mobile Internet since I first used an air card six years ago. Internet everywhere is an awesome idea. I travel a fair amount and thought it was finally time to give it a try. I've been able to access my e-mail and Internet from my phone for a few years, but needed free wi-fi to get on with my computer. I did the math and right now it's more cost effective for me to use the mobile wi-fi option for my home and Victory. One service, one payment.
I went to the phone store and was excited to take a technological step in the right direction. I walked into the store wanting nothing more than Internet everywhere. The sales consultant told me about a certain mobile hotspot that offered 4G speed in areas with 4G service. He raved about how much faster 4G service was than anything else. He assured me that when 4G is not available, the 3G service is faster than traditional DSL. I've had DSL since 2000, so I'm quite familiar (and usually satisfied) with the speed. He warned that 3G may not be best for customers who download a lot of movies or for online gaming. I don't do either so I thought this "upgrade" would be wonderful.
The problem is 4G is not available in my hometown and 3G is much slower than what I'm used to. I still have internet everywhere, but now I'm an unsatisfied customer because I'm not getting what I thought I was paying for.
Here's the point: I just wanted mobile wi-fi. I didn't care if it was slower. When he told me it was going to be faster, though, I expected that it would be. He had me at "hello," so why did he pump-up his protect even more? I would have been extremely satisfied had he not told me I was getting more.
Conversation starter
For your information, a subtle Green Bay Packers hat is a great conversation starter if you're traveling on Super Bowl weekend and the Packers are playing in the prestigious game.
I had the opportunity to share my story of being a Packers fan to many strangers last night as I roamed the airport. A lot of people I passed gave me a thumbs-up or said the savory words, "Go Pack Go!"
I've been proud to wear Packers gear my entire life. I sported a Packers hooded sweatshirt 2-3 times per week when I was in 2ND grade. I had it washed daily and chewed on those hood strings like they were going out of style. Mrs. Lipsky made special mention of my green and gold attire every Monday following a Packers victory, which only happened 4 times that year under Lindy Infante (they beat the Vikings twice). I'm a die hard fan, but this season sparked a new kind of love for this team because I have a two year old son who says, "Go Pack Go!" every chance he gets.
It's fun being a Packers fan right now, but then again, it's always been fun - win or lose. I think that's why I received so much attention in the airport yesterday. People just enjoy enjoying the Packers.
Go Pack Go!
I had the opportunity to share my story of being a Packers fan to many strangers last night as I roamed the airport. A lot of people I passed gave me a thumbs-up or said the savory words, "Go Pack Go!"
I've been proud to wear Packers gear my entire life. I sported a Packers hooded sweatshirt 2-3 times per week when I was in 2ND grade. I had it washed daily and chewed on those hood strings like they were going out of style. Mrs. Lipsky made special mention of my green and gold attire every Monday following a Packers victory, which only happened 4 times that year under Lindy Infante (they beat the Vikings twice). I'm a die hard fan, but this season sparked a new kind of love for this team because I have a two year old son who says, "Go Pack Go!" every chance he gets.
It's fun being a Packers fan right now, but then again, it's always been fun - win or lose. I think that's why I received so much attention in the airport yesterday. People just enjoy enjoying the Packers.
Go Pack Go!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Damsel in distress
I drove to a nearby high school for practice on Tuesday. I left early enough to give myself margin to discuss plans with the head wrestling coach. I was scheduled to arrive approximately 30 minutes early. Then I came around a bend in the road and saw a Volkswagen Jetta in the ditch. I knew I had to help.
The car had gone into the ditch only a few moments before I arrived. The female driver was in distress and had yet to call anyone for help. She really didn't know what to do. She mentioned that she was planning on calling AT&T for help (not AAA), so it was clear that she needed some assistance. Apparently, she came around the bend and there was a oncoming car passing in her lane so she chose the ditch instead of the head-on collision. She hadn't gone too far into the ditch, so I was certain that I'd be able to get her out.
I could give you a lot more detail, but to make a long story short, I "shoveled" the snow around her car with an old IKEA frying pan that I had in my trunk. I tried to push her out alone, but it wasn't until two other guys stopped and offered their assistance that we got her out. She was "hung up" on snow and the three of us lifted the rear of the car so she could get her front tires down for traction and that was it. She was out and we all parted ways.
This cut into my margin significantly. In fact, I was 10 minutes late for practice. It ended up being one of the most teachable moments of the day, though. I shared how I had helped a "damsel in distress" by lifting a car out of the ditch. We all chuckled, but it was important for them to hear that people actually do help others. We all want to be able to offer a helping hand, but often times we don't want it to interfere with what he have planned. I had a few opportunities that would have allowed me to leave the scene and it would have been appropriate, but I was determined to "go the extra mile" to help this stranger. You know, the whole pay-it-forward thing.
I was amazed by how many cars drove past us without slowing down to see if they could help or asking if everything was alright. I was disappointed in these people, but it inspired me. I was determined to get this car out of the ditch so I could tell 30+ high school boys that they have a responsibility to humanity to help others and to be able to say it with conviction and credibility. I left with a little extra energy and referred to the story often throughout practice. I'm certain that it resonated with a few of the wrestlers and they'll be quick to help a stranger in need in the future.
I can't help but to think of the impact a simple act of kindness can have. Sure, the girl who was stuck was immediately affected, but I think every situation like this has potential to have a ripple effect, like the movie Pay It Forward. A local radio station does the Drive Through Difference and the ripple effects are nothing short of moves of God. You never know when someone is down on their luck and a simple act of kindness can give them hope to carry on. The moment might eat into your margin, but that ripple effect is worth it. I seek out opportunities to help. I hope you do, too.
"If anyone forces you to go a mile, go with them two miles." - Matthew 5:41
The car had gone into the ditch only a few moments before I arrived. The female driver was in distress and had yet to call anyone for help. She really didn't know what to do. She mentioned that she was planning on calling AT&T for help (not AAA), so it was clear that she needed some assistance. Apparently, she came around the bend and there was a oncoming car passing in her lane so she chose the ditch instead of the head-on collision. She hadn't gone too far into the ditch, so I was certain that I'd be able to get her out.
I could give you a lot more detail, but to make a long story short, I "shoveled" the snow around her car with an old IKEA frying pan that I had in my trunk. I tried to push her out alone, but it wasn't until two other guys stopped and offered their assistance that we got her out. She was "hung up" on snow and the three of us lifted the rear of the car so she could get her front tires down for traction and that was it. She was out and we all parted ways.
This cut into my margin significantly. In fact, I was 10 minutes late for practice. It ended up being one of the most teachable moments of the day, though. I shared how I had helped a "damsel in distress" by lifting a car out of the ditch. We all chuckled, but it was important for them to hear that people actually do help others. We all want to be able to offer a helping hand, but often times we don't want it to interfere with what he have planned. I had a few opportunities that would have allowed me to leave the scene and it would have been appropriate, but I was determined to "go the extra mile" to help this stranger. You know, the whole pay-it-forward thing.
I was amazed by how many cars drove past us without slowing down to see if they could help or asking if everything was alright. I was disappointed in these people, but it inspired me. I was determined to get this car out of the ditch so I could tell 30+ high school boys that they have a responsibility to humanity to help others and to be able to say it with conviction and credibility. I left with a little extra energy and referred to the story often throughout practice. I'm certain that it resonated with a few of the wrestlers and they'll be quick to help a stranger in need in the future.
I can't help but to think of the impact a simple act of kindness can have. Sure, the girl who was stuck was immediately affected, but I think every situation like this has potential to have a ripple effect, like the movie Pay It Forward. A local radio station does the Drive Through Difference and the ripple effects are nothing short of moves of God. You never know when someone is down on their luck and a simple act of kindness can give them hope to carry on. The moment might eat into your margin, but that ripple effect is worth it. I seek out opportunities to help. I hope you do, too.
"If anyone forces you to go a mile, go with them two miles." - Matthew 5:41
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