This past weekend, I attended the Saleeby Memorial Wrestling Tournament at Washington High School. Those who were there got to experience some good wrestling, and if you missed it, please do not miss many home meets. The teams that were there have good wrestling programs, and I got to witness the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory on two mats.

If you recall, my last article was about the resurgence of wrestling in our area and how I was so proud of the kids that participated from all schools. I knew as a former wrestling coach just how much these kids had put into getting ready for this tournament. I saw young kids who have the promise of being a good wrestler win and get their hearts broken by more experienced wrestlers when they were pinned. I hated it for them, but they will learn and get better through their mistakes. It takes time, and I hope that those who lost a round will not get dishearten because in the long run they will be winners.

I also witnessed some good wrestlers beaten because of one wrong move, and they were on their backs and pinned by average wrestlers. This can happen in any given sport at any level. Wrestlers have time to get better, and I encourage schools to participate in tournaments like this weekend’s to wrestle more than once in a day. You will be surprised at how much better you will become. The more you wrestle, the better you will get, even if you lose one.

Young wrestlers, ask the older wrestlers just what they do to get prepared or let them explain to you a possible take down, pinning combination or favorite move from the bottom. All wrestlers share what they do best and learn from their years on the mat, and they will help you. It hurts to see a young wrestler get pinned, but I hope they will not get frustrated. Wrestle in your weight class. You will get better before you go to higher weight class. Sometime the team needs you in a weight class to help them win and that is expected of you. Wrestle every exhibition match you can if there is no one in your weight class. It all leads to better performances!

That was the first high school wrestling tournament I have been to in years, and I hope I do not miss many more. If so, it will be because I am out of town or just do not know about them. For those of you that missed it, you missed a good tournament. I learned that Northside may offer it next year. Please support these young men in their efforts because someone supported us when we competed, and they need you. They wrestle harder when a big crowd is there supporting their team. It’s a great sport!

I have learned many lessons between two white lines, and I am thankful for all of my coaches for giving me the opportunity! Thanks!

 

— Harold Robinson Jr. is a former coach at Williamston High School for 31 years, and a member of the East Carolina coaching staff for 12 years.