why wrestling?

[exwrestler155]

With all the recent posts, opinions, contraversy, etc it made me think about how passionate wrestlers are about the sport. Who has had the most influence on you in becoming so passionate in the sport?
I would say it was watching my older brothers wrestle and wanting to be like them. Also like the 1-on-1 aspect of the sport.

Let's here your stories.

[HeadHunter130 MSHS]

This sport is like therapy, it heals. For me, it was the training, the fact that I didn't need to be talented in it. It taught me the meaning of hard work, and how far it can get you. It's the purest form of sport. You're the only thing you can use to win, no one else, and no equipment, well, besides the gear.

[EAGLE88]

Without a doubt wrestling for Coach Farina!

[HeadHunter130 MSHS]

Originally Posted by EAGLE88

Without a doubt wrestling for Coach Farina!

Gotta love a legend.

[EAGLE88]

Definitely a legend and was like a second father.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by HeadHunter130 MSHS

This sport is like therapy, it heals. For me, it was the training, the fact that I didn't need to be talented in it. It taught me the meaning of hard work, and how far it can get you. It's the purest form of sport. You're the only thing you can use to win, no one else, and no equipment, well, besides the gear.

Well said. You have just spoken for many, many people.

[HawkeyeMG]

I think the most intriguing aspect of the sport is that fact that it is completely individual, just you and your opponent on the mat, but at the exact same time, a huge team sport. Sometimes it is not about you, sometimes you are going to lose your match but if you lose 5-1 you can still help your team win since you didn't get pinned.

Tournaments are long days.... you can be at a school for 12 hours and wrestle a total of 24 minutes. This leaves for a lot of downtime and a lot of friendships between schools and within schools.

I do not know many sports that are as individual and team oriented at the same time, and this is one thing that I have always loved about it.

[WoW ThE CrOwD 89]

For m, it was the respect earned when you step out on that mat. Nothing is ever given to you. You have to go out there and get it for yourself. You control your own destiny. You don't rely on a quarterback making the right read, or catcher making a good throw on a stealing baserunner. It just me and you. Nothing can ever compare to the six minutes you are on that mat. The thrill that one mistake and that's it. There's no next play. Everything must be perfect

[Coach A]

I had my friend's Dad threaten me to go out my freshman year or he was going to come to my house, strap me to the hood of his Chevy, and drag me to practice himself. Once I got there, it was not what I expected. Loved every minute of it.......second guessed my feelings with the two a day practices during the school year and sucking enough weight to count every rib, but I trusted my coach and sacrificed for my teammates. I was WAY behind the curve, but after 4 years in a program I learned a ton, and learned more about myself and what I'm capable of physically, mentally, and emotionally...lessons for wrestling and life. I can never thank my coach enough for that.

[Blonjuan44]

I disliked the nervousness before a match, once it started it was fine. I think its like what I've heard about being in the Armed Forces, not necessarily pleasant at the time but something you can be proud of in hindsight. Our team was very average so I don't remember a lot of team aspects to it. Its odd which matches you remember, not the obvious ones...our old high school team (early 80's) was not as serious as the IKWF team's practices my sons been to.