Through The Eyes of A Mom!

Joel and I watching Iowa Hawkeyes wrestle in 2015

  They say that boys dominate wrestling. Which is so true, but girls are coming in their own. Really women have been involved. Just in the forms of "Wrestling Moms." Wrestling Mom's play such a key role. Some may call us "Crazy," but really we are the most toughest, strongest, and the most caring Moms you can ever meet. As our wrestlers are on them mat so is our hearts.

Joel in 2012

  My little man started at the age of 4 in wrestling. He needed an outlet, and something to use is stored up enegy that little boys have in the winter time. There really isn't much for 4 year old to do with the winter time besides play in the snow, or stay inside the house. Even though my son loved playing in the snow. It just wasn't enough. He needed something productive, and something that gave him a since of accomplishment. So, one day someone suggested that I put him in Pee Wee wrestling. I will tell the truth the first thought through my mind was, "no way in the heck will I put him in a sport of that kind." I had heard so many stories over the years about the sport of wrestling (the dieting, the sicknesses, and injuries).  I thought how would I put my young son in a sport that I really didn't approve of, but eventually I gave in, and let him try. It was the best choice that I have ever made.

Joel at his first practice in 2012

 I still remember my son's first practice 4 seasons ago. My heart I swear stop beating as I watched him practice. My son went from this innocent little one, to a brave little boy. Watching him that first practice was so enjoyable as he had fun with other boys his age, and learning from some neat guys that were willing to pass their knowledge on to these tiny boys. I had the greatest enjoyment after that first practice hearing my son say, "Mommy can I do it again, I had so much fun," as he smiled those pearly whites, as sweat run down his face. So, I knew right then I knew it was time to put down my defenses, and let my son decide if he wanted to stick with it or not for himself. 

Joel at his first tournment in 2012 in Martensdale

  I still remember when he took to the mat the first time at his first tournament. My heart raced I didn't know if it was adreniline, or if it was fear for my son. I did have tears in my eyes as I worried what would happen to my son. As I watched him wrestle the first time I couldn't believe what was going on right before my eyes. Before his first match he was smiles and giggles. He gets on the mat his smile turns into a look of determination. I was probably one of the loudest Mom's, but I didn't care, because my baby was wrestling. As I watch him it was as if I felt every move with him. He lost every match that day, but he was happy he didn't give up. 

Joel pinning a Kid at Creston 2016

 Since that first tournament match of his wrestling career years ago, I have changed in how I look at wrestling, but not how I look at my son as he wrestles (because that has always remained). I also don't get crazy loud as I once did. I am loud enough my son hears me as he wrestles. It is cute because he says that even with all the cheering, and things he can still hear my voice. I asked how he hears my voice over all the madness. He says, "Mommy, only I know your loving voice. I tune out the other noice and concentrate on yours, unless if my coach is there." Even a voice from a Mom makes a wrestler know that he is so important, and supportive. A Mom is the wrestler's #1 one cheerleader. To a "Wrestling Mom" the sport of wrestling means more to us than just "Singlet Washing," "Bracket Checking,"  "Picture Taking," and things. The sport of wrestling to a "Wrestling Mom" means the loves of our lives is doing something they love, and our hearts are with them.

Joel Nov. 2012 with that Joel look at Waukee 1st year of wrestling

  Over the years I have watched my son grow in the sport of wrestling. He is no longer that tiny little boy, but a young man that is finding his groove in the sport. Everyone once in a while over the years I still get that little glimpse of his young silliness as he does a big boy sport. I see him give me a smile, or even a thumbs up just to let me know everything is going to be fine. He still takes a moment out for his Mom before each match, and after each match I am ready for him to be in my arms for a huge hug.
  I watched the times he struggles on the mat with strong opponets. I see in his face as he grimices in pain, and figuring how he will get out of a hold. I keep telling him he can do it, and don't give up. There is a part of me that wants to take his place, but I know he has to do it on his own. I am there on the side of the mat waiting for open arms to hold him, and tell him how proud I am of him for just giving it his best, and not giving up. 

Joel getting his hand raised at Creston 2016 after a pin.

 I watch intently all the time really. When my son wrestles a match and he is doing well in I still continue to encourage him to give it a little more. I watch as he is able to land a move, or even pin an opponet. When he gets his hand raised at the completion of a match. I watch as a smile comes on the face of my son. Seeing his face light up of feeling of accomplishent of a good job is such a great feeling for myself. I watch as he shakes the opponets hand, tell him a good job as well or even keep your chin up if they cry, and then shakes the opponets coach or parents hand. Then he runs to my arms that are waiting for him. I tell him how proud I am of him. He doesn't gloat about winning against an opponet. Instead he will tell me he learned something from them, or I needed that challenge to make me work harder. 
  So, I have wiped away tears when my son has cried in pain, I've wiped sweat from his face after a hard workout preparing, I've bandage owies, I have been my son's practice dummy when he wants to practice at home or before a tournament, I still tie his shoe laces, and I have iced him down after wrestling and dealing with growing pains. To me it is all worth it, because I'm a "Wrestling Mom." I love wrestling, because my son loves wrestling.

Creston 2nd Place 2016

  I've watch wrestling change my boy from a quiet, shy boy that had a hard time accepting loss; to a boy that makes friends from different schools, cheers just as loud as his Momma, and that accepts being defeated. My son has gained self-esteem, learning that a loss doesn't make you a loser it makes you learner to know what to do the next time, and he knows that a win does make you a winner; but a striver to continue learning as well. He is becoming a young man before my eyes. I have wrestling to thank for that. I am proud to say I am glad that someone suggested I put my son in wrestling. 
  My son knows he is not the most experience wrestler, but he gives his all. He improves every time he is on the mat rather it be practice or tournament. I see him falling more and more with the sport as he learns more moves, and get better on the ones he already knows. 
  So, the next you here the phrase "Wrestling Mom," remember we are more than just crazy ladies screaming for their children. We are just like any other Moms that are proud of their children doing a sport. Yes, we are loud; yes, we run between mats; yes, we take hundreds of pictures; we have to wash a singlet ALL the time, but we will always do it no matter what, because it means the world to our children.

Bedford 2nd Place 2016

  I know someday things will changes as my son ages from Pee Wee wrestling to wrestling in junior high, high school, and maybe even college. All I have to say is as long as my son choses to wrestle I am going to be there for him. I will be his #1 cheerleader, and he will be my #1 wrestler. He may get to the point he wont come give me a hug after a match, but he will know that I am there. I can see it now he will still look up in the stands where ever I am, and give me that Joel look he has given me since that first tournament match. The look of he will be just fine, and that he loves me.