WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

You are not alone.

Sometimes we think that we are the only ones who are faced with unique problems or dilemmas - be it sports or life. Such "only me" thoughts are without question unfounded.

In reference to the mat sport, hopes and dreams vs. fear and doubts has always been part of a dedicated wrestler's psyche. The following true tale is just one account of what wrestlers must confront prior to a match. It was written by Shane Kammauff after he competed in the Virginia Freshman State Tournament last season.

THE WRESTLING MATCH
The wrestler was preparing for the first match in the biggest tournament in which he had ever entered. He did not know much about his opponent, but what he saw of the young man standing on the other side of the mat started his mind racing. He had decided to go out and do his best. He began moving around and getting warmed up before the match.

The wrestler felt an uncertain sensation in his gut and a wave of doubt swept over him. Nevertheless, he resolved that he would put forth his best effort and prayed for the wrestler who was most worthy to claim victory. But again, his confidence was tested.

"Do I really belong here?" he wondered. "I did not win too many matches this year. These are the Virginia Freshman State Championships. The best wrestlers my age are here. Still, I will not have to worry about older opponents. Also, I have seven years of wrestling experience."

He knew he had worked hard to become the wrestler he was. However, the past high school season had damaged his confidence. He had struggled against less experienced wrestlers he felt he should have crushed. The thought of failure mad his heart race and his palms sweat. His stomach grew even uneasier and he started looking for a way out of the match.But that was when he decided he had gone too far with such thoughts.

The wrestler had prided himself for a long time in his determination to never give up. He was not about to just run away. He made up his mind he was going to wrestle honorably and do his best.

Still, there was a part of him that was desperate to avoid the inevitable physical pain that the sport of wrestling entails. The wrestler decided that this part of him was an obstacle only he could chose to overcome. He then realized that simply having the courage to go out on the mat and wrestle all-out was the only thing he needed to belong here. He realized he had the heart of a wrestler and deserved to be here. He felt a surge of warmth from within that gave him the strength he needed.

This personal epiphany renewed his spirit and enabled him to focus on the upcoming match. When the bout began, he was ready to wrestle. Once it had ended, he had been deemed worthy of victory.

In essence, a wrestler (and all athletes in general) must defeat two opponents if he expects to be victorious - first, himself and then, his adversary.