But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. --Ernest Hemingway

4.13.2005

Spreading The Faith.

"Sometimes in one's walk one will find oneself unable to keep the faith therefore one has no other choice than to spread it."

-Me

I started a new schedule at the warehouse I work at. M-F 6:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Being a wrestler has it's advantages as my boss's love for the sport is surpassed only by his size. So I got a cushy schedule but am expected to perform with all the hardwork that is expected of wrestlers. I was also expected to make an appearance at a wrestling tournament last saturday. As of today I can confidently say I have held up my end of the bargain. It started thursday after a rough day at work I showed up at South Grand Prarie High School the "other Warriors" that were in my region but not my Alma Mater (Arlington Martin), with expectation to merely help a few young kids get ready for the tourney. I get informed that they need people to help move mats for the tournaments. Wresling mats are big and heavy. I dont know how heavy but, they generally cost around 10,000 bucks, brand new to give you an idea of what kind of product this is. 4 hours later (mind you after my 11 hour workday), the mats are set up and I cant walk. FF: Next morning still cant walk without causing concern to anyone who sees me. Saturday sit down keep score of little kids throwing each other around (Tons of Fun, no sarcasm) for half the day, load mats another 4 hours.


...details. I run into my old teammate, Matt Harrison also a coach for the kids I'm working with; the Grizzlies. Matt Harrison was our 112 superstar my first and 2nd year of wrestling. I inherited his position as captain and fan favorite of the '98 Martin Warriors. We talked about how much we missed the sport and the fun we had together. The more mats we moved the more we talked about how we should have our own team. After soaking my shirt with sweat our old coach showed up. I pulled him aside and told him how I caught the bug. How my first kids demo going off, was like winning my first tournament all over again. He said he'd be back in the area for good in June and we'd all have a sit down.

So for now I will be spending my tuesday and thursday evenings with the Grizzlies. I will be making my transition from mere acolyte to disciple. The Grizzlies are merely a training ground probably until my mentor is back in town. Then I'll be following his directions but the plans are as of now with my boss to start a Mansfield program in a year or two that will eventually force wrestling into the high schools there.

So for now here are my colors: