Why is TEAM building so important in WRESTLING?
In June of 2023 we hosted our first summer wrestling camp. It was one we’ll always remember. After all, it’s not every year we’ll be able to invite a current NCAA Champion to come and work with our kids. (Thank’s Nino!)
We also had an incredible clinician in Devin Austin, thanks Devin!
This camp was so much more than that, though. We had our own wrestlers wanting to step in and help coach younger wrestlers. Caring for their teammates and wanting to help them reach their own goals. That’s what being teammates is all about. When these kids get to varsity they’re going to have such a great time shining together.
The vibe was great, I don’t think I’ve seen so much smiling during a wrestling practice. From conditioning to drills to games these grapplers really started to enjoy the process and that what it’s all about!! When you can have fun while learning such a difficult sport, great things are ahead.
This is why I coach. I credit the sport of wrestling with much of my perseverance and ability to quickly adjust when life throws me a curveball. As an entrepreneur I’ve taken my share of shots but I instantly analyze and navigate through the solution. I want to give the kids all of the life lessons that wrestling gave me. After wrestling a few years, I’ve never walked into a classroom or business meeting feeling intimidated, wrestling helps you know exactly where you stand and prepares you to face challenges head on as they arise.
The Grind: The wrestling process is a grind, from the early years to the end it takes dedication and determination to complete a wrestling career. One of the things that helps us get through that is the close bonds we build with our team mates, our friends, at times they even feel more like family. The process (the grind) only works best when you begin to enjoy it, friends make that possible. Us coaches do what we can to include games and things but the more friends you have in a room the more comfortable you feel. It’s when you’re comfortable that you can really begin to relax enough to have fun.
Kids gravitate towards their friends in school, the more they have the more comfortable they feel. Sports are no different. This is why we try to build in some team building events. From pool parties to runs in the park anything to get the team together outside of the wrestling room is great for building on those relationships that help make the grind feel like a bit less “grinding” during the season.
Ringgold Youth Wrestling has a GREAT group of grapplers, I can’t wait to see them at our next team building event!
Written by: Coach Kevin
