Looking Back At My First Wrestling Season

Before I Started

My fall football season ended the day after Halloween and I had a 2-week break before my first wrestling season started. I was a little nervous since I never wrestled before.

So, I prepared with Dad.

Although, I was used to physical contact I didn’t really know any rules to wrestling. My dad knew a few moves and said we just start with the basics. He taught me how to shoot and the 3 positions of neutral, referee (bottom) and top.

Learning to Shoot

Shooting was very easy for me. Drop your hips, move your back foot and take one big step forward all the way down to your knee, bring your other foot up like you’re kneeling. Get used to this motion, while keeping your hands inside.

We just practiced walking around like this and it started feeling like a natural movement. Give it a shot!

My First Matches

On top of being nervous, it was a long early drive! Almost an hour and a half that I wasn’t prepared for. I also wasn’t prepared for how long wrestling meets can last! We’re talking hours.

My 1st Match was a no show so I won by default. My 2nd Match was pretty easy and fast. Most of my day was sitting and watching others wrestle. I wanted to go home but I still had one more match.

Concussion?!?

My final match of the day went very fast. I was whipped around and my head hit the mat! I did not like it and my dad feared I could’ve had a concussion. He lectured me on my way home and I watched the footage to see what happened. We both know it’s important to keep our head safe. I promised I will protect it during my next matches.

This taught me that I need to keep my head up and stay prepared at all times! Even when I’m tired and just want to go home.

My Rebound

The fear of a concussion didn’t last long. I watched the replay and recognized what I needed to do. I went to practice and worked hard on my defense.

Takedown Event

A takedown event is held for 1st and 2nd year wrestlers to build courage and skill. This was just what I needed for my rebound. I wasn’t taken down once! Not even when they put me against a second year wrestler. Even the coaches were asking me if I had other experience.

Hometown Tournament

My next big tournament helped polish me up. I dominated the first match, but struggled to get a pin until the 3rd round.

After that match one of my teammates dads told me to keep my head up even when I’m pinning. This helped me get the leverage I needed for my next 2 matches. I won both in the first round!

The Novice Championship

I admit I went in a little too confident to the championship and it showed the first round. I lost by points and was very embarrassed. My opponent was good and I made sure to shake his hand, but it was tough. Especially after I lost.

Second Place

Dad and I talked, coach and I spoke, and I got my head back in the game. I could still win second place! So, that’s what I did!

Overall, I loved wrestling and I’m excited for next year. I’m even training my little brother so he can join. We already taught him how to shoot!

Next year the gold is ours!

Post-Season Party

We had a big wrestling team and our coaches really tried to show us how proud they were of each of us. Our end of the year party was fun! We went to a local bowling alley, had cupcakes and received some awards. I was lucky enough to win the coaches award.

This award was given to me by my coaches to share their acknowledgment of my hard work and perseverance. I am thankful for all my coaches too. Can’t wait for year 2!