At Their Level Best

ADDY TROPHY RE-ORDER

Another post about wrestling? Sheesh!

Yes. Dear readers, though you be few, indulge me if you will.

I've written about how wrestling teaches equity through diversity. What about good conduct and character?

Well, imagine you've done all you can to prepare for your competition. On match day, you are sitting in the weigh in queue, pondering the sacrifices - skipped meals, extra hours of fitness, tutoring sessions, just one more switch or take-down drill...and it hits you that you've done all you can.

Your coach comes over and let's you know what your bracket seed number is, and as you look down at your name on the pig-tail bracketing, you see the word BYE. Your heart sinks. All of that preparation, and all you get to do is shoulder your singlet, walk out, and let the referee raise your hand.

Empty victory.

Wrestlers know that their opponents have gone through the same preparation, sacrifice, sweat, blood and tears. They know. Wrestlers want their opponents to make weight. Wrestlers want the match, win or lose. Wrestlers are true warriors.

When each competitor is at their best, and one of them wins, it makes the victory so sweet.

We shouldn't be wishing ill will on our opponents. Beating someone who is weaker than us is empty and unfulfilling.

Onward!

Dr. J

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