Why We Do It

It can be hard to understand the mentality of a wrestler. Many people question why they would put themselves through the torture of cutting weight and making it through a practice. The simple answer is that there is no greater feeling than winning a wrestling match. Wrestling is about as individual of a sport as they come. There is a small team aspect but all the accolades go to the individual. Whether you win or lose the match is completely dependent upon your effort. There is no teammate to hide behind. Once the match starts all eyes are focused on you. The only people on the mat are you, your opponent, and the referee. Technique and stamina is important but what really separates the great wrestlers from the good wrestlers is their determination. Dan Gable, an Olympic gold medalist, once said, “The 1st period is won by the best technician. The 2nd period is won by the kid in the best shape. The 3rd period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.” It all boils down to who wants it more. Are you willing to go the extra mile and push yourself past your breaking point? Once you get the right mindset, the victories will start to come. There is nothing like getting your hand raised after defeating your opponent for the first time. All of the blood, sweat, and tears finally feel worth it. You walk off that mat knowing that you just completely dominated another human being. There is just something special about accomplishing something with your own two hands. It is a very invigorating and empowering feeling that I have never gotten anywhere else. Another important aspect about wrestling that is crucial to understanding the mentality of a wrestler is the degree of difficulty of the sport. There is a reason that not everybody wrestles. It is a very challenging and daunting task that not many people can endure. It brings great satisfaction to know that you are doing something that not too many people can do. Honestly, once you make it through a wrestling season, everything else in life seems easy. Wrestlers take great pride in what they do. Outsiders can say whatever they like about the sport, but in the end, only a wrestler truly knows all of the time and effort that goes into it. There is no other sport like wrestling.