“Are you sad he got 2nd place?”- Lennon
“No, I’m sad he’s sad.”
Weddings and funerals. Most of you have read my post from the past 3 years each time the state tournament rolls around. It even popped up on my memories last night from posting it 1 year ago to the date. Oh man I did not know how much I would feel the words I had wrote to so many others years prior.
So here are a few thoughts.
Hayden had a heck of a tournament and Freshman year. What an incredible experience to be a part of 2 state championship teams and see 3 teammates achieve their goals last night along with so many of his club teammates. To be celebrated and embraced by such a loving community was incredible.
Hayden and the 41 others who fell short of their goals last night we hurt with you. Your feelings are valid, the hurt is deep, but the work you put in to get there was not wasted.
What I’m most proud of:
- The responsibility he took this year in his nutrition and training.
- The relationships he built helping bring the team closer. Listening to his teammates last night confirmed this.
-Seeing him Matside knowing his heart hurt, but how important it was to be there for them. In a way their goals were part of his goals.
-Hugging his family and thanking them for being there.
-Standing in front of the community and speaking acknowledging he didn’t get what he wanted this year but looking forward to the next….something he had witnessed so many times from UNI guys who were put on the spot by his dad in celebratory times and times of struggle.
- Holding his head high.
As Parents we would trade in anything to remove our kids from pain, but sometimes pain is the best motivator. Pain makes you choose to give up or give in and embrace it emerging better because of it.
To everyone who reached out to us, we love you all. The wrestling community is special and you have seen our boys grow up in front of you either up close or from afar. From basement battles to championship matches you have been with us even if it’s through a screen and we are so thankful.
The sun still came up today and it will tomorrow and they day after that. Although it can at times feel like everything, our identity is not in this sport and our kids knowing that and feeling it is most important for us. Our love is not based on results and we felt that same sentiment from so many of you last night.