I invested countless hours in the sport of wrestling over my lifetime, and I use the word “invested,” as it provided many paybacks. I competed for more than a decade on the mat, and I coached for more than 25 years. Through the blood, sweat and tears, I learned to appreciate it all.
This past year, I decided it was time to hang it up, at least the physical aspect of coaching. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I needed to give my body a rest and dedicate more time to my family, my faith and my job. I do miss much about the sport, but I have no regrets.
I was honored last night by the Johnston wrestling community and specifically by my friend and head coach, Aaron Tecklenburg, as a “Friend of the Program.” I was humbled. In receiving the award, I couldn’t help but think of three specific messages that I want to share this morning in this column. The comments are mostly directed to the young men who were the ones being honored, but I hope this message resonates with each of you, too, whether you know the difference between a takedown and a touchdown or not.
First, I want the wrestlers to understand the need to replant the seed. Many wrestlers and coaches gave their time and talents to me, and it was my duty to return that. It is now their duty, too, and they can do so by coaching, refereeing, volunteering at tournaments, donating financially and, most importantly, continually praising the benefits of the sport.
Second, I want them to value the friendships the sport helped create. Even their opponents today will be seen as friends years later through the respect that is built in this circle of wrestling. The bonds created through countless battles, gallons of sweat and streams of blood will never be broken. Many of my fellow coaches are now my best friends. If I died tomorrow, those guys would be carrying my casket. That’s friendship.
And third, I want them to realize loyalty — an understanding, appreciation and respect for their coaches, their teammates, their families, the program and the sport itself. Loyalty can be defined in many ways, but, maybe most importantly, it means realizing that what is happening right now isn’t all about you and that sacrifices have to be made personally for the betterment of others. These young men don’t need to — and are not expected to — fully understand that as teenagers. In time, the lessons of loyalty will carry over to lifetime relationships in their roles as friends, husbands, fathers, co-workers or bosses.
And finally, I want them to yearn for the discipline, structure and demands of wrestling and to carry those qualities with them no matter what they choose to do — and to always bleed purple.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com |
