What a Great Sport!

by Greg Morton, parent, Riverside HS

During the past 3 or 4 years, a close friend of mine has tried to get me interested in wrestling. He had been a high school/middle school referee and now is currently coaching at he middle school level. His son had wrestled in middle school and now is currently on the Orange JV team. We had coached our sons together in little league baseball and we had all become very good friends. Not too long ago, my son lost interest in baseball.

Upon entering high school this past fall, I was concerned with what activities he would get involved in. One day at work, I received a call from my son, asking permission to go to wrestling practice. I assumed he would be the manager for the team; for he weighs 90-93 lbs. and had never been around the sport; other than going to see his buddy wrestle. I approved his going and was somewhat relieved that he may have found something to do outside of his school work.

Upon picking him up that afternoon; I was in for the shock of my life! He informed me that Coach T wanted him to try out for the team. I thought to myself; you'll get killed, no experience, no knowledge of the sport, and light weight and skinny. Finally, I responded by saying, "Great!"

I really did not think he would stick with it. Well, five months later he is still with it and enjoying every minute of it (maybe with the exception of the running). Not only have I seen vast improvement in his wrestling skills but his interpersonal skills have matured greatly. He has confidence in himself, knows what his responsibilities are, and has a better attitude about school and his school work. He has developed new friendships with several members of the team as well as with members of the opposing teams.

Though being a young kids baseball coach, I am greatly impressed with this great sport. The kids, coaches, families, officials, and fans are a tight group that is unparalleled in most sports. I personally want to thank Coach T and his staff for giving my son an opportunity and to the 2000-01 Riverside Wrestling Team for accepting him as a member of their team.

This great sport has not only improved his athletic skills; but more importantly, has developed my son into a fine young man in which I am very proud.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? We would like to hear of your most memorable experiences with the sport of wrestling. We would like to hear from everyone - coaches, wrestlers, parents, fans, etc. Is there a particular wrestler that has stood apart in your mind from the others? What was the most exciting match (dual meet or individual) that you've seen or been a part of? Do you have a funny story you'd like to share? There is no length restriction - submissions can be 3 sentences, 3 paragraphs, however long you need to tell your story. Responses will be featured on NC Mat throughout the season. Email your story to info@ncmat.com

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