Thursday, February 16, 2012

Gilmore's Take: What Does Tournament Time Really Mean?

     With the conclusion of the NOC Tournament, we closed the door on the 2011-2012 regular season and opened the door to the 2012 tournament series.  Sectionals, Districts and States means something different to every wrestler.  To some it means an end to a long and grueling season.  For others it is a chance to make a name for themselves.  For a few, it is a chance to be mentioned in the talk of Ohio wrestling greats. 
     In the next three weeks there will be a lot of highs and lows.  It is not always the best technical wrestler who advances to the next round.  The wrestler that is able to block out injuries, pressures, nerves and can wrestle to his top ability will be the one who wins those tough close matches.  In the tough matches there is always a breaking point and a breaking out point.  The individuals that make names for themselves are the ones that come face to face with that breaking point and battle through it.  Wrestling is 90% mental, we work all year long to develop mental toughness.  Now is the time to show how mentally tough you are. 
     You should not look at Sectional, Districts, and States as a time to be nervous, and hope you win.  To excell through these three winner takes all tournaments you have to be excited, prepared to battle and most importantly have fun. Now it is time for you to take what you have learned all season, put it together, and enjoy competing.  These fianl three weeks are all about competition, those who step up to the challenge, win or lose, will be able to walk away with their heads held high. 

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