With information available instantly and the emergence of the blogoshpere, forums and textese (text message language), it seems to me that the attention to written detail has declined immensely. Maybe this is because everyone has an opportunity to share their opinions so the filters and editors are no longer critical. But still, I believe businesses and organizations have a responsibility to be professional.
Professionalism goes beyond internet information and fliers. It includes how one associated with a business or organization in any capacity, paid or volunteer, treats the customer. Communication, expertise, punctuality and much more is required. It's fair to demand and expect this from the business or organization you're involved. Professionalism is not the exception, even if our culture seems to be heading in that direction.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Better than it sounds
In a recent post by Seth Godin, he mentioned that Mark Twain said that Wagner wrote music that was better than it sounds. It got me thinking, is my product (Victory School of Wrestling) better than it sounds, or does it sound better than it is?
Five years ago I had a vision to create an environment that produced championship wrestlers with championship character. We work hard to be sure that we're constantly in line with our mission. This helps posture me as a learner and puts me in a position to be constantly evaluating our approach. Our mission never changes, but our approach is always changing and improving. I'm trying to provide something that, like Wagner, is better than it sounds.
Yesterday I received a message from the mother of a 5th grade athlete who has been involved at Victory for three years. Here's what she posted on my Facebook wall:
I think this is evidence that we're moving in the right direction. I often say that I won't be able to accurately evaluate our club model until these young men are adults with families and responsibilities. When they're having a positive impact on our world, I'll know that our approach is successful. Unfortunately, there are far too many programs within the wrestling community that sound better than they really are. However, when a 5th grade student steps up and does something like this, it leads even me to believe that what what we're doing is actually better than it sounds.
Five years ago I had a vision to create an environment that produced championship wrestlers with championship character. We work hard to be sure that we're constantly in line with our mission. This helps posture me as a learner and puts me in a position to be constantly evaluating our approach. Our mission never changes, but our approach is always changing and improving. I'm trying to provide something that, like Wagner, is better than it sounds.
Yesterday I received a message from the mother of a 5th grade athlete who has been involved at Victory for three years. Here's what she posted on my Facebook wall:
A "feel good story"...Paul received a phone call today from the Elementary Principle (typically not a good thing from past experience). But today, "I am calling to tell you about a spectacular thing that Gabe did. He stood up for a girl that was about to be ridiculed by another classmate. He discouraged the boy from doing wrong, pointing out the consequences. If only all of the kids could do one of these random acts, just imagine the possibility?!". When we discussed this with Gabe, he simply said "Kevin's been teaching us about doing the right thing, taking responsibility for our lives.". We just want to say...THANK YOU!! The influence you have is powerful. - The Colbeth's
I think this is evidence that we're moving in the right direction. I often say that I won't be able to accurately evaluate our club model until these young men are adults with families and responsibilities. When they're having a positive impact on our world, I'll know that our approach is successful. Unfortunately, there are far too many programs within the wrestling community that sound better than they really are. However, when a 5th grade student steps up and does something like this, it leads even me to believe that what what we're doing is actually better than it sounds.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Boys forfeiting to girls
Two weeks ago, history was made in the state of Iowa when two female athletes qualified for the state wrestling tournament. The tournament turned into a media frenzy after a boy decided that it was inappropriate to take the mat against a female competitor. There has been a lot of interest in this story within the wrestling community and outside of it, including from ESPN and the New York Times. Public opinion about this situation is all over the spectrum. I've been asked what I thought many times. In a previous blog post, I did my best to present both sides of the story in an objective way. Now, after more people have started to voice their opinions, I'd like to share my thoughts on male wrestlers forfeiting to female wrestlers and specifically on the situation in Iowa.
Before I do, it's important to understand my stance on gender and competition. I believe God created male and female with distinction and uniqueness. Obviously, this is a sensitive topic because it's politically incorrect to discuss the differences between men and women. I believe men and women deserve equal treatment under law and should have equal opportunities, however, the two genders are significantly different. To maximize the competitive potential of both, we must discard the value judgements that these differences are bad and look to a larger social context to explain behavior.
Males and females take different perspectives on the world. The experiences that shape values, the situations that cause fear, and the circumstances that define success stand distinct. At the heart of these differences lies a masculine identity defined by a basic sense of living separate from others as opposed to a feminine identity defined by a basic sense of living connected to others.
If this is true, each gender approaches competitive situations from vastly different contexts. Girls come to the gym seeking to bond as a means to success; boys battle each other to achieve the same thing. Women are predisposed to connect to achieve goals; men compete to achieve goals. Both want to win and both want results, but they hold markedly different ideas on how to access their aspirations.
Men learn to view the world as a hierarchical social order. They value autonomy, latitude, and winning. Females value attachment, intimacy, and interdependence. Males fear helplessness. They may be wary of commitment if they see it as a loss of freedom. Females fear rejection, isolation, and abandonment. They equate these conditions with loneliness and failure.
Knowing these simple, but complex, gender differences gives us context to understand why individuals can have such differing opinions about what happened in Iowa. To a boy, the person across from him in the circle is trying to take something that he believes is rightfully his. He is bound and determined to fight for it because he believes winning that battle is the mark of a man. Now, match that same boy against a girl and the hierarchical struggle drastically changes. The motivation isn't the same and it becomes a lose-lose situation for the boy (if he wins, he loses; if he loses, he loses). This fear drives the boy, and often times his dad, to look for a way out or a way to win and it seems as if the wrestling community and many Christian circles have given boys and men a free pass to forfeit to the girl by claiming they respect women and cite the Bible as their source. However, the act of forfeiting leaves the girl feeling abandoned, as if her efforts and struggles didn't mean the same as the boys. Not taking the mat and acknowledging her as an athlete is the epitome of disrespect to a female wrestler.
I'm not in a position to make a judgement on the male wrestler in Iowa who forfeited to the female, however, I do believe I am privileged to question the logic that he (and his parents) used because we're both claiming to be representing Jesus Christ on this subject.
First, the boy said that wrestling is violent and he didn't believe it was right to engage a female in that manner. I think I know what he's trying to say, but I think he missed the mark. And why are Christian circles so quick to jump on this bandwagon? I would argue that wrestling is NOT violent. If he's approaching the sport with violence, then I believe it is wrong for him to engage any human being in this manner - boy or girl. Wrestling is combative, but not violent. There are inherent risks to the sport, as there for any sport, and all of the participants are fully aware of those risks. Wrestling is a combative sport that has specific rules to assure that it is not violent. By claiming that it is "violence" sounds too much like "machismo," or excessive masculinity, or chauvinism. It epitomizes the tough guy stereotype alpha male, socially and physically dominating and imposing his will upon others. That attitude is the antithesis of the Bible. It's laced with pride and there is no honor in that.
Forfeiting to a female on the grounds of respecting her is a slap in the face to every female athlete forced to compete against boys. The girl doesn't interpret this act as respectful. I've asked many of my female athletes how they feel about this topic and they're all vehemently opposed to boys forfeiting to them "out of respect for women." I guess I think the females should have a say on this topic. After all, it's directly affecting them, isn't it? I have yet to talk to a female wrestler who said this is a sign of respect or chivalry. So why do we champion it as being so? In my marriage, if my wife feels disrespected because of something I did believing I was respecting her, isn't it logical to conclude that I'm actually not being respectful if she's feeling disrespected? If the girl doesn't believe she's being respected, we can't continue claiming this decision is about respect for the girl.
In 2007, I went to Azerbaijan for the World Championships. In the arena, the ushers constantly walked up to the Americans and told us to put our feet on the ground when we were resting them on the seat in front of us. Showing the bottom of our feet was the ultimate sign of disrespect in their culture. What that act shows to others is that they are below you. Of course, I meant no disrespect by it. It was a cultural difference. However, I didn't hang on to my belief system the rest of the time I was there because I didn't want to show any disrespect. I feel that men are constantly showing the bottom of their feet to women in the sport of wrestling and then, out of fear, hide behind an inerrant claim that they respect them. The problem is, the women don't feel respected.
The only time I support a male forfeiting to a female is if wrestling a girl causes a boy to struggle sexually. I'm in favor of him opting out, but call it what it is. If close contact with a female on a wrestling mat takes a males mind to another place or gives a "hint of sexual immorality" (Ephesians 5:3), by all means, forfeit, but be a man and tell the real reason for not stepping to the line. Don't hide behind the pseudo-chivalrous claim of "respecting women."
I'm sure I ruffled a few feathers on this one. This is precisely why I believe every state association needs a separate boys and girls division. Individuals shouldn't be forced to make difficlut decisions that can be so drastically misunderstood by the two genders.
*work cited: Gender and Competition by Kathlees deBoeur.
Before I do, it's important to understand my stance on gender and competition. I believe God created male and female with distinction and uniqueness. Obviously, this is a sensitive topic because it's politically incorrect to discuss the differences between men and women. I believe men and women deserve equal treatment under law and should have equal opportunities, however, the two genders are significantly different. To maximize the competitive potential of both, we must discard the value judgements that these differences are bad and look to a larger social context to explain behavior.
Males and females take different perspectives on the world. The experiences that shape values, the situations that cause fear, and the circumstances that define success stand distinct. At the heart of these differences lies a masculine identity defined by a basic sense of living separate from others as opposed to a feminine identity defined by a basic sense of living connected to others.
If this is true, each gender approaches competitive situations from vastly different contexts. Girls come to the gym seeking to bond as a means to success; boys battle each other to achieve the same thing. Women are predisposed to connect to achieve goals; men compete to achieve goals. Both want to win and both want results, but they hold markedly different ideas on how to access their aspirations.
Men learn to view the world as a hierarchical social order. They value autonomy, latitude, and winning. Females value attachment, intimacy, and interdependence. Males fear helplessness. They may be wary of commitment if they see it as a loss of freedom. Females fear rejection, isolation, and abandonment. They equate these conditions with loneliness and failure.
Knowing these simple, but complex, gender differences gives us context to understand why individuals can have such differing opinions about what happened in Iowa. To a boy, the person across from him in the circle is trying to take something that he believes is rightfully his. He is bound and determined to fight for it because he believes winning that battle is the mark of a man. Now, match that same boy against a girl and the hierarchical struggle drastically changes. The motivation isn't the same and it becomes a lose-lose situation for the boy (if he wins, he loses; if he loses, he loses). This fear drives the boy, and often times his dad, to look for a way out or a way to win and it seems as if the wrestling community and many Christian circles have given boys and men a free pass to forfeit to the girl by claiming they respect women and cite the Bible as their source. However, the act of forfeiting leaves the girl feeling abandoned, as if her efforts and struggles didn't mean the same as the boys. Not taking the mat and acknowledging her as an athlete is the epitome of disrespect to a female wrestler.
I'm not in a position to make a judgement on the male wrestler in Iowa who forfeited to the female, however, I do believe I am privileged to question the logic that he (and his parents) used because we're both claiming to be representing Jesus Christ on this subject.
First, the boy said that wrestling is violent and he didn't believe it was right to engage a female in that manner. I think I know what he's trying to say, but I think he missed the mark. And why are Christian circles so quick to jump on this bandwagon? I would argue that wrestling is NOT violent. If he's approaching the sport with violence, then I believe it is wrong for him to engage any human being in this manner - boy or girl. Wrestling is combative, but not violent. There are inherent risks to the sport, as there for any sport, and all of the participants are fully aware of those risks. Wrestling is a combative sport that has specific rules to assure that it is not violent. By claiming that it is "violence" sounds too much like "machismo," or excessive masculinity, or chauvinism. It epitomizes the tough guy stereotype alpha male, socially and physically dominating and imposing his will upon others. That attitude is the antithesis of the Bible. It's laced with pride and there is no honor in that.
Forfeiting to a female on the grounds of respecting her is a slap in the face to every female athlete forced to compete against boys. The girl doesn't interpret this act as respectful. I've asked many of my female athletes how they feel about this topic and they're all vehemently opposed to boys forfeiting to them "out of respect for women." I guess I think the females should have a say on this topic. After all, it's directly affecting them, isn't it? I have yet to talk to a female wrestler who said this is a sign of respect or chivalry. So why do we champion it as being so? In my marriage, if my wife feels disrespected because of something I did believing I was respecting her, isn't it logical to conclude that I'm actually not being respectful if she's feeling disrespected? If the girl doesn't believe she's being respected, we can't continue claiming this decision is about respect for the girl.
In 2007, I went to Azerbaijan for the World Championships. In the arena, the ushers constantly walked up to the Americans and told us to put our feet on the ground when we were resting them on the seat in front of us. Showing the bottom of our feet was the ultimate sign of disrespect in their culture. What that act shows to others is that they are below you. Of course, I meant no disrespect by it. It was a cultural difference. However, I didn't hang on to my belief system the rest of the time I was there because I didn't want to show any disrespect. I feel that men are constantly showing the bottom of their feet to women in the sport of wrestling and then, out of fear, hide behind an inerrant claim that they respect them. The problem is, the women don't feel respected.
The only time I support a male forfeiting to a female is if wrestling a girl causes a boy to struggle sexually. I'm in favor of him opting out, but call it what it is. If close contact with a female on a wrestling mat takes a males mind to another place or gives a "hint of sexual immorality" (Ephesians 5:3), by all means, forfeit, but be a man and tell the real reason for not stepping to the line. Don't hide behind the pseudo-chivalrous claim of "respecting women."
I'm sure I ruffled a few feathers on this one. This is precisely why I believe every state association needs a separate boys and girls division. Individuals shouldn't be forced to make difficlut decisions that can be so drastically misunderstood by the two genders.
*work cited: Gender and Competition by Kathlees deBoeur.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Win the crowd
"Listen to me. Learn from me. I was not the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you will win your freedom." - Proximo
It feels like yesterday that I laced my bright yellow Adidas shoes and marched through the Parade of Champions prior to the state finals my senior year. The whole weekend seemed surreal at the time. However, as I become less recognized and relevant as an athlete in Wisconsin, I'm starting to comprehend what took place in the Kohl Center in 1998.
I enjoyed my time as a high school athlete and nothing was more enjoyable than standing in the center of Mat 1 to the ovation of over 10,000 wrestling fans. I had a wide range of emotions from releaved to happy. What I cherish most from that moment, though, is how the fans made me feel. I felt like I was a part of something much larger than myself. If you've read any of my previous blogs, you'd know that I believe I was part of a story of God. Within that story was a farm kid that won the crowd over the course of four years. Obviously, I was there in the middle so I cannot seperate my bias, but I haven't seen, or felt, that same energy towards an athlete in the Kohl Center since (closest was Alyssa Lampe and Davion Willis).
There have been a handful of four-time state champions since my day in the spotlight and this year, another individual will join me as a Division 1 four-timer (for one more day, I'm the only one). So there have been a lot of great wrestlers, but I'm going to take a stab and say none have loved the crowd and been loved quit like I was in 1998. Please understand that I'm not trying to hang on to any overdue glory. I know my time has passed, but there is something left to be desired as a fan following the handful of super stars that have graced the Kohl Center floors most recently.
During my career, I didn't have to deal with the pressures of internet forums or Facebook. I wasn't a controversial character because of my lack of character. I had tremendous family support and I was grounded enough to know at the time that I wasn't alone in my athletic endeavors and I knew there was no way I could have done it alone, either. I was a gracious winner and respected my competitors. For a lack of a better way to describe what I'm thinking, I believe I was successful in "winning the crowd."
I didn't compete to seek the approval of the crowd, but we certainly worked together to accomplish great things.
It feels like yesterday that I laced my bright yellow Adidas shoes and marched through the Parade of Champions prior to the state finals my senior year. The whole weekend seemed surreal at the time. However, as I become less recognized and relevant as an athlete in Wisconsin, I'm starting to comprehend what took place in the Kohl Center in 1998.
I enjoyed my time as a high school athlete and nothing was more enjoyable than standing in the center of Mat 1 to the ovation of over 10,000 wrestling fans. I had a wide range of emotions from releaved to happy. What I cherish most from that moment, though, is how the fans made me feel. I felt like I was a part of something much larger than myself. If you've read any of my previous blogs, you'd know that I believe I was part of a story of God. Within that story was a farm kid that won the crowd over the course of four years. Obviously, I was there in the middle so I cannot seperate my bias, but I haven't seen, or felt, that same energy towards an athlete in the Kohl Center since (closest was Alyssa Lampe and Davion Willis).
There have been a handful of four-time state champions since my day in the spotlight and this year, another individual will join me as a Division 1 four-timer (for one more day, I'm the only one). So there have been a lot of great wrestlers, but I'm going to take a stab and say none have loved the crowd and been loved quit like I was in 1998. Please understand that I'm not trying to hang on to any overdue glory. I know my time has passed, but there is something left to be desired as a fan following the handful of super stars that have graced the Kohl Center floors most recently.
During my career, I didn't have to deal with the pressures of internet forums or Facebook. I wasn't a controversial character because of my lack of character. I had tremendous family support and I was grounded enough to know at the time that I wasn't alone in my athletic endeavors and I knew there was no way I could have done it alone, either. I was a gracious winner and respected my competitors. For a lack of a better way to describe what I'm thinking, I believe I was successful in "winning the crowd."
I didn't compete to seek the approval of the crowd, but we certainly worked together to accomplish great things.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Take advantage of the opportunities
Today was the first day of the Wisconsin state wrestling tournament. I have great seats and will see terrific wrestling the entire weekend. I'm fortunate to have been involved with many athletes who are competing in this great event. This is a very special time of the year.
After one day, I'm happy to say that the athletes that have trained at Victory are doing well. While watching from the bleachers, I tried to be objective about what I was seeing and I was constantly reminded how important it is to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. This simple thought can be applied in many situations at this tournament from mat strategy to maximizing ones own potential at the most important time. Too many times I have witnessed an athlete who didn't believe in himself until it was too late or was noticeably "going through the motions" because they weren't ready to expect greatness of themselves.
This season I was reminded how quickly high school wrestling passes and how important it is to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. I know a handful of wrestlers who chose not to put the necessary time into training during the off season and are now paying the price by spectating instead of competing this weekend. They had many opportunities, but refused to take advantage of them when they were there. This tournament is a great learning lesson because people usually get what they deserve. The athletes reaching their dreams have put in the necessary time so they can live their dreams WIDE AWAKE. Those that chose not to work hard will sleep through these important dreams and when they wake up, it'll be too late.
Our theme for the state tournament series this year is Wide Awake. The individuals who live their dreams awake take advantage of the great opportunities when they arise. They're alert and sniffing out the opportunity to be great. They eagerly hunt until they smell victory and they take it when it's there.
After one day, I'm happy to say that the athletes that have trained at Victory are doing well. While watching from the bleachers, I tried to be objective about what I was seeing and I was constantly reminded how important it is to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. This simple thought can be applied in many situations at this tournament from mat strategy to maximizing ones own potential at the most important time. Too many times I have witnessed an athlete who didn't believe in himself until it was too late or was noticeably "going through the motions" because they weren't ready to expect greatness of themselves.
This season I was reminded how quickly high school wrestling passes and how important it is to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. I know a handful of wrestlers who chose not to put the necessary time into training during the off season and are now paying the price by spectating instead of competing this weekend. They had many opportunities, but refused to take advantage of them when they were there. This tournament is a great learning lesson because people usually get what they deserve. The athletes reaching their dreams have put in the necessary time so they can live their dreams WIDE AWAKE. Those that chose not to work hard will sleep through these important dreams and when they wake up, it'll be too late.
Our theme for the state tournament series this year is Wide Awake. The individuals who live their dreams awake take advantage of the great opportunities when they arise. They're alert and sniffing out the opportunity to be great. They eagerly hunt until they smell victory and they take it when it's there.
Monday, February 21, 2011
"The buck stops here!"
Today is President's Day in the United States. As a History major, I have always taken a liking to modern American history and have grown fond of a few presidents that are under the radar. When we talk about the best Presidents in the history of the United States, we usually include George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on the short list. Presidents with initials have seemed to be popular choices, too - FDR, JFK. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt and Ulysses Grant are other popular choices. There are certainly Presidents that I haven't seen on any list of top Presidents, too - Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, John Tyler, Martin Von Buren, etc. In fact, if I hadn't lived in Madison for seven years, I may miss those names when trivia questions ask about them (streets around the Capitol building are named after members who signed the Declaration of Independence which include some of these names). One name that I instantly think of as one of our best Presidents is Harry S. Truman. He's an unlikely hero and few rank him as one of the best, but to me, he is near the top.
FDR picked Truman as Vice President during his third term. Some history says that he was chosen because he was ridiculously simple minded and would stay out of FDR's way. FDR had a lot on his plate and he kept Truman out of his circles. When FDR died in office, it's said that he died with all of his plans in his head and Truman assumed the Presidency with no idea about what had been taking place. Talk about being up a creek without a paddle. President of the United States is probably the only job that this scenario is completely unacceptable. But Truman endured and prevailed.
He was faced with some very difficult decisions immediately, specifically what to do in World War II. He was successful in defeating the Nazis and then the Japanese after ordering the drop of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I'm sure Churchill and Stalin thought this guy was way over his head as they knew more about what had been taking place in the White House than he did. However, he moved forward with the conviction of doing what is best for the country, despite not having much information about it.
The unexpected victories of World War II should be enough to solidify him as one of our best leaders, but there's more. He entered the 1948 Presidential race as significant underdog (even though he was the incumbent) and because of his Whistle Stop Tour, he won re-election by playing the role of the underdog. It was a genius political campaign. He founded the United Nations, NATO and the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the war. He also developed the Truman Doctrine to contain Communism (the start of the Cold War). The Berlin Airlift was one of the most successfully executed plans ever in America's foreign policy history and it was his idea. Still, after all of this, people didn't like Truman while he was in office.
I think a lot of the dislike for Truman was rooted in his personality. He just didn't fit the mold of a President. Again, he was simple. He didn't even have a middle name (S. was his entire middle name - just an initial). He had done alright as a senator, but was put into leadership because, allegedly, he didn't know anything about being a leader. None of that stopped him. He coined the phrase, "the buck stops here." I don't think he had aspirations of becoming President, but once he was, he knew he was responsible for the nation.
With this slogan on his desk, he won World War II, stopped the spread of Communism, rebuilt Europe and did what was right for the economy in spite of his supporters (railway strikes). He also fired General MacArthur after he refused to follow the President's orders. MacArthur was the biggest war hero America had, but Truman insisted on following the Constitution. I think that's pretty cool. As he was leaving office, he threw in a few new ideas that I believe laid major ground work for the Civil Rights movement. He made an executive order to desegregate the armed forces.
Truman may have been very simple, indeed, but he lead with confidence and boldness. He didn't always have all of the information, but he made urgent decisions that became defining moments in our country's history. I'm a sucker for people who exceed the expectations of others to take care of their responsibilities instead of seeking the approval of others. This is what I admire about Truman the most.
FDR picked Truman as Vice President during his third term. Some history says that he was chosen because he was ridiculously simple minded and would stay out of FDR's way. FDR had a lot on his plate and he kept Truman out of his circles. When FDR died in office, it's said that he died with all of his plans in his head and Truman assumed the Presidency with no idea about what had been taking place. Talk about being up a creek without a paddle. President of the United States is probably the only job that this scenario is completely unacceptable. But Truman endured and prevailed.
He was faced with some very difficult decisions immediately, specifically what to do in World War II. He was successful in defeating the Nazis and then the Japanese after ordering the drop of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I'm sure Churchill and Stalin thought this guy was way over his head as they knew more about what had been taking place in the White House than he did. However, he moved forward with the conviction of doing what is best for the country, despite not having much information about it.
The unexpected victories of World War II should be enough to solidify him as one of our best leaders, but there's more. He entered the 1948 Presidential race as significant underdog (even though he was the incumbent) and because of his Whistle Stop Tour, he won re-election by playing the role of the underdog. It was a genius political campaign. He founded the United Nations, NATO and the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the war. He also developed the Truman Doctrine to contain Communism (the start of the Cold War). The Berlin Airlift was one of the most successfully executed plans ever in America's foreign policy history and it was his idea. Still, after all of this, people didn't like Truman while he was in office.
I think a lot of the dislike for Truman was rooted in his personality. He just didn't fit the mold of a President. Again, he was simple. He didn't even have a middle name (S. was his entire middle name - just an initial). He had done alright as a senator, but was put into leadership because, allegedly, he didn't know anything about being a leader. None of that stopped him. He coined the phrase, "the buck stops here." I don't think he had aspirations of becoming President, but once he was, he knew he was responsible for the nation.
With this slogan on his desk, he won World War II, stopped the spread of Communism, rebuilt Europe and did what was right for the economy in spite of his supporters (railway strikes). He also fired General MacArthur after he refused to follow the President's orders. MacArthur was the biggest war hero America had, but Truman insisted on following the Constitution. I think that's pretty cool. As he was leaving office, he threw in a few new ideas that I believe laid major ground work for the Civil Rights movement. He made an executive order to desegregate the armed forces.
Truman may have been very simple, indeed, but he lead with confidence and boldness. He didn't always have all of the information, but he made urgent decisions that became defining moments in our country's history. I'm a sucker for people who exceed the expectations of others to take care of their responsibilities instead of seeking the approval of others. This is what I admire about Truman the most.
Friday, February 18, 2011
We need high school wrestling for females
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
