It Takes a Little More to be a Champion

     As we enter into the week of districts I find it very difficult to make the transition from a competitive coach to a spectator.   As I have had a couple days to reflect on the events that happened during sectionals and the rest of the season it became clear to me that it is not what we did during the season, but rather what we did not do during the off-season that  left us wanting more.  Not that we deserved more, but left us wanting more.  Now, this lack of off-season work was not due to the lack of opportunity, but rather a lack of participation.  There were open mat opportunities 2-3 days a week, lifting 4 days a week, with tournaments and camps throughout.  Unfortunately, these opportunities were not taken advantage of.  I would see the the same 2-3 people at open mats, lifting, or tournaments and get the same excuses from everyone else. 
     If you look at the Wadsworth's and the Brecksville's, where everyone on there team is competitive, it  is no secret how they got that way.  They put in a lot of dedication and time.  I would see them at the camps I worked and at the tournaments, along with the various open mats I would attend.  They are out there as a team getting better.  You can not expect to beat the competition that is working 11 months a year to get better when you are only working during the season.  It takes a little more to be a champion.  Not only does working in the off-season prepare you technically for the next wrestling season, it prepares you physically and mentally.  The wrestling season is a long hard grind.  If you have not prepared your body physically through weight training and wrestling it will not hold up through the season.  This is part of the reason why we had so many injuries this year.  Our bodies were not prepared to make it through the grind of the season. 
     This is where the excuses have to stop.  If you want to get to that next level and be successful at this great sport, you have to make a commitment to reach your goals.  Being a champion does not happen by chance, it happens by sacrifice and hard work. This off-season will determine what kind of team we will have next season.  I need to see a commitment from now to next November.  This is the time to be self motivated to evolve into the best competitor you can be.  There is no secret to success.  Success is earned it is never given.  To have success you must have Desire, Dedication and Determination.  Most people have the desire, they lack the dedication and determination.  Don't be like most people.  Your success story starts now!