Coach Nieman Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 As a coach at a small school that doesn't churn out state qualifiers, I have a request for all the underdogs on the 13th. Don't worry about who you've drawn at semistate. Nobody's past wins, losses, or accolades mean anything once the whistle blows. You've busted your butts all year, more than anyone not involved with wrestling could possibly comprehend. Your blood, sweat, and determination have gotten you this far. Let nothing stand in your way. Fight for victory with every fiber of your being. Win or lose, if you know you have left it all on the mat, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Many great wrestlers have imparted profound words of motivation to the next generation of wrestlers. But I think the strongest words I've ever read have been from a world-class runner, the late Steve Prefontaine. "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Have a great week of practice, and give 'em hell, boys. bruins2017, 1prouddad, parris58 and 25 others 28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpunkyPotato Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I love this. Underdogs are my favorite, whether it's JV to state, small school, or even a first year wrestler. Best of luck to everyone. What a great sport we have. Novice Bat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HulkamaniaBrother Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I was an unranked underdog wrestling the number 4 kid in the state first round and number 11 in the ticket round my sophmore year and made it out so I agree coach I'm a HUGE fan of underdogs. Goodluck to wrestlers especially mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pirate pop Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 . I agree! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruins2017 Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Hell yeah! This just pumped me up so much. I was worried about the guy I pulled. I don't care now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoontzDaddy Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Great post. You never know what's gonna happen. My son's junior year, we were just hoping for him to qualify. Toughest guy in the bracket got spladled; opening the door. He went on to win semi state, had a good draw at state and went on to place 3rd. To this day, that was the most fun/joy I've ever experienced in my kids' wrestling experiences. More years to come, but so far that tops the cake. He was the underdog and wrestled without the pressure of expectation. The underdog has nothing to lose, no pressure, and everything to gain! Have fun with it boys! There is nothing more exciting than a community rallying behind the local kid in high school. College wrestling is great, but it's very difficult to match that family/community experience you get in high school. Leave everything on the mat and leave your fear at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brodygrant Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Totally agree! I showed this to my son in hoping to get him even more motivated for Semi-State this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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