Bringing It On The Mat

  It is that time a year again. Nope I am not talking about Christmas. I am talking about wrestling. Who knew I would be excited about the sport of wrestling? If you would of told me before 8 years I would be a Mom of a wrestler, I would of laughed in your face. I will be honest the thought of my son wrestling was not what I really wanted for him. I really hoped he would get into a different type of winter sport. Anything but wrestling to tell the truth. I heard about all horrible stories of wrestling (the sicknesses, the dieting, and so much more). 
  Four years ago I become "THAT" Mom. I became a "Wrestling Mom." I am one proud Wrestling Mom at that. Four years ago my son needed an outlet for all his stored up energy in the winter months. At 5 years old there was nothing for him. It was suggested to put him into Pee Wee wrestling, because they allow preschool aged children. So, I decided to give it a try. I will be honest deep down I hoped that my son would not like it. To my dismay my son feel in love with the sport, and I will tell the truth I have feel in love with the sport in a way as well.
  Joel has slowly improved year in and year out. I will be honest my son is not the greatest wrestler, but he puts work into so that someday he will be. He doesn't give up. That is what makes me so proud of him. Joel knows that he isn't as good as some other boys, but he strives to be just as good. Some day if he stays with it I know he will be that boy going to state in wrestling. Wrestling doesn't come naturally for him, but it eventually comes in his time of understanding. 

1st Year of Wrestling

  When he first started wrestling his mostly places 4th with a few 3rd places. He still at some tournaments have brought 4ths, but he has seen more 3rds and 2nds. His goal every tournament is 1st, but he knows no matter what he is a winner in my book for not giving up.

Joel Watching Iowa Wrestle

 As wresting has become more important each year to him. It has become more for me as well. So, basically he is in wrestling mode for 3-4 months. He has been able to even go see his favorite college team wrestle. He was so thrilled to see the Iowa Hawkeyes take on several schools in one day last month. Joel at one point said "Mom, someday you will be here watching me taking on other teams, because someday I will be an Iowa Hawkeye!"

Joel in 4th Year

  Last weekend Joel went to Anita, Iowa to wrestle. He went there two years ago, and took 2nd place. He wanted redeemption from the last time. He had lost by 1 point. The bracket he was in was good for him for his first tournament of this season. He went out there like he had a point to proove, and he was taking names. He pinned his first kid, beat the 2nd kid by points, and lost by points to the 3rd kid. When it came to the 3rd kid, Joel and I will admit he was good. He had pinned the other two boys in no time. Joel gave him a tough match. The kid tried several times to pin Joel, but Joel wouldn't let him. After the match Joel was a little tearing. He came over to me. As usual I gave him a great big hug, and I asked him what was wrong. Joel said, "Mom, I did my best, but I won't walk away with 1st." I told him, "Joel, I am so proud of you. You got out of the cradle several times, in which you had never been able to get out of. You take that 2nd place with pride, because you have improved so much."
  Being a "Wrestling Mom" is more than just being there to cheer on my son, because it is something that he wants to do. Being a "Wrestling Mom" for me means to be there for him, and to love it just as much. When Joel wrestle I feel like I am wrestling. I hurt when he hurts, I cry when he cries, and I rejoice when he does. So, go ahead tease me of being a Wrestling Mom!!!! I am proud of it.