Wrestling Team

Xyz

10-Year Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
126
Hi,

So I am a junior in high school, and have never wrestled before, but I've always a keen interest in doing so. I previously did Tae-Kwon-Do for a good 3 years or so, obtained black belt, blah, so I do have some experience with controlled hand-to-hand (though a different sort). I work out every day, lifting more on each machine each day and I also run cross country.

Do you think it is a good decision to join up this year? I really want to try it, but I feel like my lack of experience is really bad. I don't know how to wrestled, really, at all. I probably won't be 'used' I suppose, until I know how... but it's always been something I want to try. How difficult is it to pick up? And can I just have some advice with pursuing this?

One more factor. I am a girl. And the first girl to ever join up in the history of my high school. Thoughts?
 
Hi,

So I am a junior in high school, and have never wrestled before, but I've always a keen interest in doing so. I previously did Tae-Kwon-Do for a good 3 years or so, obtained black belt, blah, so I do have some experience with controlled hand-to-hand (though a different sort). I work out every day, lifting more on each machine each day and I also run cross country.

Do you think it is a good decision to join up this year? I really want to try it, but I feel like my lack of experience is really bad. I don't know how to wrestled, really, at all. I probably won't be 'used' I suppose, until I know how... but it's always been something I want to try. How difficult is it to pick up? And can I just have some advice with pursuing this?

One more factor. I am a girl. And the first girl to ever join up in the history of my high school. Thoughts?

Good reasons to wrestle
1) Great sport for a female wishing to build strength, confidence, and character.
2) Great sport for preparing for a profession with physical demands like the US Military.
3) Much better winter alternative to working out on weight machines (which train isolated muscles - not the best for an all-around athlete.

Bad reasons to wrestle
1) Trying to stand out on a USMA application (unless you are competitive - probably not going to happen in your limited timeframe).
2) Proving that you are "tough". I don't think you are going there, but being the father of a girl who plays hockey (another male-dominated sport) occasionally with the guys (used to do it exclusively), she earns respect for playing well (skill), not because guys launch 5-ounce pieces of rubber at her at 100+ MPH. Proving toughness is transitory. Enjoying the game is a lasting thing.

I'd think about this the same way as you are thinking about the West Point - are you going there because you have something to prove, or are you going there because you have something to do (and do well)? Would you still pursue the end result (commissioning in the military) if you couldn't go to West Point? Would you still wrestle even if you wouldn't necessarily get many matches for your team?

I have a lot of respect for people who take on challenges to achieve in non-traditional endeavors. They are usually ones who aren't there for the glory, but for the sheer activity itself. If wrestling is interesting to you, I say do your best!
 
Definitely for all those good reasons for joining. As for the application process, although it probably would be decent in that aspect, not one of my reasons for joining. I've wanted to for a while (that or boxing, but there aren't very many gyms where I am). I plan on getting pinned a lot, but having it be a great learning and physically demanding experience, so no tough points for me haha. Although I would love to give it my all, and perhaps get fairly decent at the sport.

Answer to both those last questions are yes. I know my plan to USMA is that if I do not get in, I will hopefully be accepted for an ROTC scholarship, and pursue a military career that way. For wrestling, I assume I won't get many matches since I'm new... but I want to do it anyways. :)

Thanks for all the advice. I'm pretty excited about doing it.
 
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