I am a high school wrestling coach and we just returned from The Big Show, our high school state wrestling tournament. Our team performed very well at state and left this coach feeling happy about the season. We put two wrestlers in the State finals and one of them became our seventh State Champion in the last eight seasons. Yes, I am writing this with a large smile on my face right now as I reflect on that championship match and the tournament in general.
Honestly, I'd love to further elaborate upon the matches we wrestled at state. Especially the Semi-finals and finals matches. Those are always important and they will get your blood pumping, even if you don't understand wrestling. But, this blog post is not about individual matches or winning championships. What I really want to discuss is a mindset for athletes, coaches, parents, and fans when attending The Big Show.
Now is a good time to mention that as a coach I always feel a little conflicted going into The Big Show for two reasons. First, this will be the last time this exact team will compete together. Second, this will be the last time our Seniors will compete for our team. These facts can heighten emotions in an environment where emotions are already stimulated to the max.
The Big Show doesn't just affect the coach or athlete emotionally, it will bring about a roller-coaster of emotions for all involved. During these events you may experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows (I hope you get more highs than lows!). You will see dreams crushed and dreams fulfilled during championship events. Incredible athletes will sit defeated and crying from emotional pain, while others will jump into the stands victorious to hug theirs mothers... a moment of pure joy!
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| State Champion Tyson Toelkes hugging his Mom Jenna! |
In the midst of all this chaos and bliss, I have found a simple perspective that can change this entire experience for the better. We have implemented this perspective with our athletes the last couple of seasons, and I try to keep it at the forefront of my mind as well. Do you want to know this secret perspective? Here it is... enjoy every moment! Too simple and cliche right?
Let me give you an example of this perspective in action. I tell our wrestlers... "Enjoy every moment of the state tourney. This is the pinnacle of our sport and you need to enjoy it. You have an opportunity to fail and equally an opportunity to succeed. Either way, be thankful for the opportunity because not everyone gets this experience. Enjoy the hotel, the warm-up, every second of every match, the fans in the stands, etc. Really take the time to mentally enjoy every part of this experience." I believe this allows our wrestlers to relieve some of the pressure on their shoulders and ultimately perform at the top of their ability level. They no longer worry about the big picture, which can seem overwhelming. Rather they live in the moment and take everything one step at a time. They place their focus on enjoying everything their sport has to offer them as athletes and human beings.
As a coach, I try to have the same perspective during The Big Show as I teach my athletes. Win or lose, I come with the mindset that I'm going to enjoy the opportunity to coach each of my athletes and my team. I am going to be grateful for each second I get with them and enjoy it to the fullest. I am going to enjoy coaching with a great coaching staff that has worked so hard. Now let me throw in a side note here... I'm not a robot and emotions sometimes get the best of me. It's worth mentioning that I also enjoy winning way more than losing, losing isn't fun. That being said, focusing on enjoying each moment regardless of the outcome has made coaching more enjoyable all around. It has allowed me to really appreciate the limited time I get with my athletes during their wrestling careers. Especially during our end of the season championship tournament. We only get four chances to experience this tournament, so we better make the most of it!
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| State Runner-Up Carter Hall full of Pure Joy after winning in the Semi-Finals! |
There it is, a simple yet profoundly powerful perspective to "The Big Show" that can transform your experience for the better. If you are an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this perspective can be utilized during your end of the season event. Actually, it goes much further than that event. This perspective can be practiced and carried over into every aspect of your life. So I encourage you to enjoy each moment to the fullest extent possible.
This is life and just like in The Big Show, you will at some point experience the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Your perspective in these moments will either improve the experience or make it worse. Choose today to enjoy each moment and do your best to live this life full of pure joy!
God Bless,
Coach P
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