Now that we are half way through the wrestling season have you noticed anything different about yourself?  Does your life evolve around wrestling?  If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, then welcome to the world of wrestling.  You might even be called a fanatic and can’t shut it off.   

I have been a wrestling parent for 8 years and each year it gets more intense as my child evolves into this world.   Each time we head to a major tournament and I know ahead of time of what’s in store for us such as brackets, I’m dashing to the computer to “google” the other kids and sizing up the competition.  Is it worth it?  Yes and No.  Do I tell my child what’s in store for him?  NO.  So why do I do it?  It’s because I am that fanatic.  I follow all the forums dealing with wrestling seasons of other states that’s how bad I am. 

The main point to this portion of this website is to help some of the new parents who are entering the world of wrestling.  It’s hard to handle when you see your child getting the life squeezed out of him while you sit in the stands with the video camera.  Not that I’m saying it’s bad, because I do it a lot.  What I want you to know is it’s not as bad as it appears.  This is the hardest sport your child will ever compete in.  It’s just you and your opponent battling for that win.  It’s a rush when your child brings that gold medal or trophy home.  But it can also be the longest ride home when they don’t.  I’ve been there many times and have sat through many arguments between father and son. I'm guilty "big-time" of loosing my cool at tournaments. I will be the first one to tell you how hard it is to sit in the parking lot waiting for the outcome of a match but you can't watch it because you were asked to leave. Yes, I think I am the first mom to be kicked out of a tournament. Am I proud of it? NO NO NO!!! It was the worst day of my life. I always say a prayer before each tournament and it goes like this…”God, please don’t let my child get hurt, and PLEASE let him win, but most of all please let me keep my composure!"

Get involved!  Don’t just drop your kid off and expect greatness.  It won’t happen.  Learn what your child is learning.  The foundation of this club is based on dedicated “dads” and “moms”!  Even if you don’t know what the moves are, there are endless ways to improve this skill.  Start building your DVD collection with Wrestling technique videos.  Put those sweats on and get on the mat.  Even if you weren’t a wrestler in school, there’s no reason why you as a parent can’t learn a few of the basics.  Trust me when I say this to all new parents….”Our coaches are not babysitters, they are instructors and dads with a passion for wrestling.”

Here’s some pointers and simple rules to follow…

1. STAY INFORMED of what’s going on for that weekend.  If you want to enter a tournament for that weekend, don’t wait until the last minute.  We have secretaries that need this information ASAP because of deadlines. 
2. DON’T BE LATE TO PRACTICE.  First, of all it’s only hurting you.  Not to mention the disruption to the rest of the team.  We understand schedules change due to working parents, that is accepted.  Get your shoes on and get onto the mat.  If you think you are going to get out of running because you are “fashionably” late.  THINK AGAIN.  The coaches have caught onto this trick and this act will no longer be acceptable.  BE PREPARED
3. NO DISRESPECTING of any coach or teammate.  First, of all “why?” would you do that to a coach?  That’s just a death wish for yourself when you go out on the mat alone with no one in your corner. Good luck coaching yourself out of jam. You may think your coach may yell at you during practice, but don't misunderstand the communication. It's only to make you better. "Hate your coach now, but love him later when you are up on the podium getting that State Championship recognition."
4. BE COACHABLE  If a coach is speaking during practice and is trying to explain a technique to the team, EYES and EARS better be on them. Don't think something is funny just because another teammate doesn't understand. It's only going to be funny when you are called out after practice to do additional push-ups. See rule #3.
5. SPORTSMANSHIP SPORTSMANSHIP SPORTSMANSHIP.  Don’t be that kid out on the mat who throws their headgear down on the mat after a loss.  Shake your opponents hand and shake their coaches hand and accept the loss.  Here’s a trick….try shaking the refs hand and see where it gets you?  You never know when you’ll see that ref again and he will remember you and do you a favor when you least expect it. 
6. SEEK OUT A GOOD WORKOUT PARTNER. If you find yourself in a rut it might be your own fault. Finding the right sparring partner will only better you. Don't be afraid of a challenge, and quit finding the "easy" preys. You are only as good as your work out partner. If you have any questions about any moves, don't be afraid to ask a coach, that's what they are there for. Don't wait until 5 minutes before you step out onto the mat. Get your plan in your head before you go to a tournament, find the right coach that works for you.

"If you truly want to be a champion….then humbly act like one with the arsenal to back it."
by Heidi Aken

If anyone else wants to contribute to this info page, such as experiences, advice on anything forward them to me and I will get them on. HAKEN1966@AOL.COM