I rarely post on this site. I have too much fun reading the comments and wit of others. But after watching yesterday's event, I wanted to add a thank you to the young men that make this sport what it is.
As usual, those who have done thousands of push ups and sit ups, ran hundreds of miles, passed on Taco Bell for a salad, ignored pain and injury, and listened respectfully to criticism have managed to put on another great show at the State Finals. The dedication and sacrifice that it takes to get to the final day of the season is only imaginable to those who are part of this great sport. No matter how your season finished take pride in the fact that you are the Special Forces of high school athletics, putting yourself on that island of competition chasing an immeasurable goal greater than any medal or trophy. Actors and directors spend countless hours and millions of dollars trying to evoke half of the emotion from an audience that you can do in mere seconds. Be proud of the fact that you can move complete strangers to cheering, tears, and even booing, with your efforts. No matter what transpired, everyone (even your critics) respect what you've done to get to this level of your sport. Thank you for stepping into that long line of wrestlers who have created the great tradition that is the IHSAA State Wrestling Championships.
Now, don't just sit there. Start training for next year's Finals.