My Annual Regional Message

[ctdad]

Regional weekend will see approximately 6000 wrestlers compete in the 3 classes. While most of our discussion centers on who will win state championships or qualify for state, the reality is that only 1/3 of these will move on to sectionals, and only 1/3 of those will get to Assembly Hall.
Saturday, about 4000 kids will see their season end. Many of these will be seniors, who will be wrestling for the final times in their careers. All deserve a salute, whether they got 4 years or 1 year or never made it out of the JV room. No matter what level of success they have had on the mat, they have all taken a journey that few are willing to try.

To the parents of seniors, next weekend and (hopefully) the 2 after that will be a time filled with emotion for both you and your wrestler. It cannot really be described; only know that they will run the gamut.

To all those who will be attending regionals, when one of your team's seniors leaves the mat for the final time, give an extra cheer and encourage all around you to do the same. He (or she) has earned it.

[Mainefan]

Regional weekend will see approximately 6000 wrestlers compete in the 3 classes. While most of our discussion centers on who will win state championships or qualify for state, the reality is that only 1/3 of these will move on to sectionals, and only 1/3 of those will get to Assembly Hall.
Saturday, about 4000 kids will see their season end. Many of these will be seniors, who will be wrestling for the final times in their careers. All deserve a salute, whether they got 4 years or 1 year or never made it out of the JV room. No matter what level of success they have had on the mat, they have all taken a journey that few are willing to try.

To the parents of seniors, next weekend and (hopefully) the 2 after that will be a time filled with emotion for both you and your wrestler. It cannot really be described; only know that they will run the gamut.

To all those who will be attending regionals, when one of your team's seniors leaves the mat for the final time, give an extra cheer and encourage all around you to do the same. He (or she) has earned it.

Beautiful and heartfelt sentiment that everyone can agree with. It was important that you posted it in order that all in attendance can remember that. I remember being at a regional a number of years ago where a wrester was teched by a freshman from Montini. After the match, the father of the defeated wrestler was so angry and kept saying that his son wrestled like ****. I felt compelled to turn and tell the father that in reality his son wrestled a well as he could. The freshman (Jake Gregerson) would go on to take 2nd in state. To the father's credit, he listened to me and thanked me for telling him that.

[Red Turban]

...

This is the most important message of the year. Every year. Thanks for posting.

[normster]

What a great post! Thank you, CTDad!

[Don E. Brook]

Thank you for posting. This is what it's all about.

[Coach Alex]

always a great reminder!!!! Thank you!!!!

[J.J.]

Great words ctdad.