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).
Friday, May 14, 2010
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.
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:
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.
**********
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.
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.
**********
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.
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.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Youth Wrestling Tournaments Are Not Fun Anymore!
I don't even know where to start with this one. I've had a great week reflecting on life, in general, and many of my positive thoughts have been polluted with issues that have come to head since the most recent youth state wrestling tournament.
I serve as the Women's Director on the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation board of directors. I was initially scared to take the position because I was afraid my legacy in the Wisconsin wrestling community would be women's wrestling. However, I have grown past that thought and strive to do what is best for wrestling overall, regardless of age or gender. That's why I'm concerned.
I run a very successful wrestling school. We have testimony after testimony from athletes and parents who have become better wrestlers from their time spent at Victory School of Wrestling. What's more, these individuals are quick to reference the individual growth that is taking part in all who participate - athletes, coaches, officials and parents. We are positively influencing people and lives are being changed. That's what youth sports are about, right? So it probably comes as no surprised when I reveal that I am not a fan of youth wrestling tournaments.
Don't get me wrong, I love competition and I think children need to be in competitive environments and experience the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat. However, the youth wrestling environment has been infiltrated with arrogant, self-serving, uneducated coaches and parents set on devouring each other. They are so prevalent, that I fear the lasting impact these events are now having on children.
When I was a little kid, youth tournaments were fun! Now, they're scary. As a second grade wrestler, I remember the announcers were always smiling; today it seems like they're always reprimanding someone. The energy in the gymnasiums was always positive, but today the energy is so negative it hurts to be inside. We focused on having fun, now the focus is on winning and parents will do whatever it takes to see that their child is the winner. Unfortunately, in the end, that child and parent are the loser. They lose because of the missed opportunities to develop as a human being, to use wrestling as a tool to build life skills and to have fun enjoying youth sports. You're only a kid once.
There's no way that I could put all of my feelings into one blog post and I'd rather not take time writing on negative topics like this. I attended a large youth wrestling tournament three years ago that sums up my thoughts. It was a dual meet tournament and I didn't agree with the format to begin with, but I thought it would be a good experience for my middle school athletes and help me evaluate their progress (and mine as new club).
I was appalled by the attitude of many of the coaches. They were cut throat and did whatever it took to win. Before the tournament started, they manipulated the weigh-ins and brackets to get a head start on their quest to win the tournament. During the event, they were nearly violent with their attitude towards the officials. While coaching, they were extremely negative and caused enough fear in their athletes that there was no other option but to win. It worked. The team with the coaches that were the biggest jerks won. Imagine that: kids will respond when they're scared out of their mind. It was a rude awakening for me.
Humbled, I sat my team down and had a heart-to-hear with them. I had assembled a group of kids that were top-notch in the character category. The first thing I said is that I was sorry they had to be a part of such a lousy experience. I admitted that I was not prepared for the conduct of the adults (and athletes) at this event. I mentioned that they lost today, but will continue improving and what makes them "winners" is that they competed with good sportsmanship and are developing the "right things the right way" and they'll get what they deserve. I told them that I'm the wrong coach for an event like this because I will not belittle a child or scare them into winning. I pointed out the history of one of the clubs that destroyed our team. They are quick to burn kids out, they have a history of high school athletes getting in trouble and they don't experience success at the next levels of competition, not to mention the coaches had never experienced high level success their own. It's like the blind leading the blind. That was three years ago and my group of athletes has soared past nearly every individual on the other team (believe me, I'm tracking the progress of that team).
I'm scared for the future of the sport that I dearly love. Budget cuts and school boards are not putting our sport in jeopardy; coaches and parents are. No one is above self-reflection on this topic. Everyday I ask myself if I am on the right path with my athletes and if I'm presenting the sport to them in a way that promotes individual growth and retention of athletes. I strive to have a positive influence on every single athlete - leaving no child behind. I don't want to be "that guy" who is responsible for someone having a negative experience. Are you that guy? I hope not. If you are, it's time to think of others.
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedome to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." - Galatians 5:13-15
I serve as the Women's Director on the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation board of directors. I was initially scared to take the position because I was afraid my legacy in the Wisconsin wrestling community would be women's wrestling. However, I have grown past that thought and strive to do what is best for wrestling overall, regardless of age or gender. That's why I'm concerned.
I run a very successful wrestling school. We have testimony after testimony from athletes and parents who have become better wrestlers from their time spent at Victory School of Wrestling. What's more, these individuals are quick to reference the individual growth that is taking part in all who participate - athletes, coaches, officials and parents. We are positively influencing people and lives are being changed. That's what youth sports are about, right? So it probably comes as no surprised when I reveal that I am not a fan of youth wrestling tournaments.
Don't get me wrong, I love competition and I think children need to be in competitive environments and experience the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat. However, the youth wrestling environment has been infiltrated with arrogant, self-serving, uneducated coaches and parents set on devouring each other. They are so prevalent, that I fear the lasting impact these events are now having on children.
When I was a little kid, youth tournaments were fun! Now, they're scary. As a second grade wrestler, I remember the announcers were always smiling; today it seems like they're always reprimanding someone. The energy in the gymnasiums was always positive, but today the energy is so negative it hurts to be inside. We focused on having fun, now the focus is on winning and parents will do whatever it takes to see that their child is the winner. Unfortunately, in the end, that child and parent are the loser. They lose because of the missed opportunities to develop as a human being, to use wrestling as a tool to build life skills and to have fun enjoying youth sports. You're only a kid once.
There's no way that I could put all of my feelings into one blog post and I'd rather not take time writing on negative topics like this. I attended a large youth wrestling tournament three years ago that sums up my thoughts. It was a dual meet tournament and I didn't agree with the format to begin with, but I thought it would be a good experience for my middle school athletes and help me evaluate their progress (and mine as new club).
I was appalled by the attitude of many of the coaches. They were cut throat and did whatever it took to win. Before the tournament started, they manipulated the weigh-ins and brackets to get a head start on their quest to win the tournament. During the event, they were nearly violent with their attitude towards the officials. While coaching, they were extremely negative and caused enough fear in their athletes that there was no other option but to win. It worked. The team with the coaches that were the biggest jerks won. Imagine that: kids will respond when they're scared out of their mind. It was a rude awakening for me.
Humbled, I sat my team down and had a heart-to-hear with them. I had assembled a group of kids that were top-notch in the character category. The first thing I said is that I was sorry they had to be a part of such a lousy experience. I admitted that I was not prepared for the conduct of the adults (and athletes) at this event. I mentioned that they lost today, but will continue improving and what makes them "winners" is that they competed with good sportsmanship and are developing the "right things the right way" and they'll get what they deserve. I told them that I'm the wrong coach for an event like this because I will not belittle a child or scare them into winning. I pointed out the history of one of the clubs that destroyed our team. They are quick to burn kids out, they have a history of high school athletes getting in trouble and they don't experience success at the next levels of competition, not to mention the coaches had never experienced high level success their own. It's like the blind leading the blind. That was three years ago and my group of athletes has soared past nearly every individual on the other team (believe me, I'm tracking the progress of that team).
I'm scared for the future of the sport that I dearly love. Budget cuts and school boards are not putting our sport in jeopardy; coaches and parents are. No one is above self-reflection on this topic. Everyday I ask myself if I am on the right path with my athletes and if I'm presenting the sport to them in a way that promotes individual growth and retention of athletes. I strive to have a positive influence on every single athlete - leaving no child behind. I don't want to be "that guy" who is responsible for someone having a negative experience. Are you that guy? I hope not. If you are, it's time to think of others.
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedome to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." - Galatians 5:13-15
Saturday, April 24, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - Friday, April 23rd
Today was a very successful day for the NYAC women's team. The girls wrestled a total of 10 matches throughout the day and won all of them, placing six girls in the semi-finals tomorrow.
It's difficult to say how everyone will do tomorrow. The schedule is set in a way that gives the girls a very long break each day. It seems like no one is able to develop momentum or to get on roll. I think this will help the best wrestler win the tournament instead of rewarding the athlete who has the best day.
During the break, I walked to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. I didn't know what to expect and as a result, I didn't give myself enough time. It wouldn't have been very cost effective to purchase a ticket for less than an hour in the museum. I'm a history buff and the history of music is one of my keen interests. I want to be sure I get my money's worth if I go in the museum. Maybe I'll find time Saturday afternoon.
To follow up with a few stories I touched on earlier this week, Jesse Thielke did not place in the Senior Greco-Roman Open (he took 1st in FILA Junior Greco-Roman), Ryan Shapert didn't make it into the arena and TJ Hill defeated Jesse West.
Thielke is a special athlete. He has the talent to be the best in the world. This tournament was great for him to see that there is a very large gap in competing at the junior and senior levels. He'll be ready in the future, but this isn't his time yet. The senior level is a game of inches. The basic skills are very important and the athletes who win at the highest levels are the ones who are most proficent in the basic skills. Foot movement, head postion and hand position is where national champions are made. It comes down to a lot of tedious work and repetition while paying close attention to detail.
Poor Ryan Shapert didn't make it to the tournament because the night before (staying with TJ Hill, mind you) he had an encounter with the police. According to Hill, he was tazed three times. He pulled the barbs out of his skin after the first two attempts. It's been a very entertaining and comical story, but also very sad. Why was he hanging out with TJ Hill?
TJ Hill attempted his sixth or seventh comeback from retirement, but it ended prematurly after he lost his composure and cursed out an official and threw water bottles across the arena floor. At the Sunkist Open in 2005, Hill took his shoes off and set them in the middle of the mat after his third place match signifying his retirement. It's an honorable gesture done by some the world's best wrestlers, including Rulon Gardner, but not intended for someone like Hill. To cap of that gesture, he wrestled a few weeks later at the NYAC Open. It hasn't stopped since, but it has to. It's getting old.
It's difficult to say how everyone will do tomorrow. The schedule is set in a way that gives the girls a very long break each day. It seems like no one is able to develop momentum or to get on roll. I think this will help the best wrestler win the tournament instead of rewarding the athlete who has the best day.
During the break, I walked to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. I didn't know what to expect and as a result, I didn't give myself enough time. It wouldn't have been very cost effective to purchase a ticket for less than an hour in the museum. I'm a history buff and the history of music is one of my keen interests. I want to be sure I get my money's worth if I go in the museum. Maybe I'll find time Saturday afternoon.
To follow up with a few stories I touched on earlier this week, Jesse Thielke did not place in the Senior Greco-Roman Open (he took 1st in FILA Junior Greco-Roman), Ryan Shapert didn't make it into the arena and TJ Hill defeated Jesse West.
Thielke is a special athlete. He has the talent to be the best in the world. This tournament was great for him to see that there is a very large gap in competing at the junior and senior levels. He'll be ready in the future, but this isn't his time yet. The senior level is a game of inches. The basic skills are very important and the athletes who win at the highest levels are the ones who are most proficent in the basic skills. Foot movement, head postion and hand position is where national champions are made. It comes down to a lot of tedious work and repetition while paying close attention to detail.
Poor Ryan Shapert didn't make it to the tournament because the night before (staying with TJ Hill, mind you) he had an encounter with the police. According to Hill, he was tazed three times. He pulled the barbs out of his skin after the first two attempts. It's been a very entertaining and comical story, but also very sad. Why was he hanging out with TJ Hill?
TJ Hill attempted his sixth or seventh comeback from retirement, but it ended prematurly after he lost his composure and cursed out an official and threw water bottles across the arena floor. At the Sunkist Open in 2005, Hill took his shoes off and set them in the middle of the mat after his third place match signifying his retirement. It's an honorable gesture done by some the world's best wrestlers, including Rulon Gardner, but not intended for someone like Hill. To cap of that gesture, he wrestled a few weeks later at the NYAC Open. It hasn't stopped since, but it has to. It's getting old.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
US Open - Cleveland, OH - Thursday, April 22nd
I'm in my hotel room and I'm only a parking lot away from the arena that the tournament is being held in. I just returned from the venue after picking up weigh-in cards and credentials for the NYAC women. I also needed to get my coaches pass (from Tony). Traditionally, a group will go to a nearby pasta restaurant (Olive Garden is always popular) as the athletes start the re-hydration process after weigh-ins. Noel Thompson, the NYAC Chairperson for Wrestling, called a NYAC dinner meeting at 6:30, so I have a few hours to relax and get caught up on NFL Draft buzz.
Although not a part of the NYAC any longer, I did invite both Alaina and Deanna to join us at dinner. Both former athletes of mine, Alaina was resently named the head women's wrestling coach at the Cumberlands and today marks one year that Deanna lost her brother. A lot has changed since they were my pupils. After the "team" meal, I plan on returning to the hotel and watching the NFL Draft.
The best part of the day came courtesy of Ryan Shapert, a former D1 All-American from Edinboro. He started the day by "cutting weight" on the arena floor in stone washed jeans and steal-toe boots. It was later found that he was NOT registered for the event. Really? We had no idea. So he took his guitar and went outside and preached the Gospel. It was quite entertaining, but also somewhat sad. This was a man who had completely "lost it." He claimed that he had just come from the woods and didn't have Internet access to preregister. He put up a scene for almost an hour that included a lot of security, fire-and-brimstone preaching, police officers and Mitch Hull. Mitch granted the man his wish and entered him into the tournament.
With an abundance of former NCAA and USA national champions, there's no doubt Mr. Shapert is going to steal the show tomorrow. I think people were first intrigued by the homeless-looking man shrieking at security, but we know his story and it's sad. I think you had to be here to understand...
Although not a part of the NYAC any longer, I did invite both Alaina and Deanna to join us at dinner. Both former athletes of mine, Alaina was resently named the head women's wrestling coach at the Cumberlands and today marks one year that Deanna lost her brother. A lot has changed since they were my pupils. After the "team" meal, I plan on returning to the hotel and watching the NFL Draft.
The best part of the day came courtesy of Ryan Shapert, a former D1 All-American from Edinboro. He started the day by "cutting weight" on the arena floor in stone washed jeans and steal-toe boots. It was later found that he was NOT registered for the event. Really? We had no idea. So he took his guitar and went outside and preached the Gospel. It was quite entertaining, but also somewhat sad. This was a man who had completely "lost it." He claimed that he had just come from the woods and didn't have Internet access to preregister. He put up a scene for almost an hour that included a lot of security, fire-and-brimstone preaching, police officers and Mitch Hull. Mitch granted the man his wish and entered him into the tournament.
With an abundance of former NCAA and USA national champions, there's no doubt Mr. Shapert is going to steal the show tomorrow. I think people were first intrigued by the homeless-looking man shrieking at security, but we know his story and it's sad. I think you had to be here to understand...
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