Parent Welcome letter

Welcome!

For many parents, the world of wrestling can be a new and confusing place.  To help you with that, the coaching staff has compiled a short list of things we would like the parents of our athletes to know:

First, know how much you are valued!  Wrestlers look to the coaches for direction and instruction.  They look to parents for support.  When coaches and parents fill their roles well, success for our wrestlers follows.  We value your support!  

Second, know that your wrestler wants you involved!  Come to as many meets as you can.  Come watch practices.  Volunteer if possible.  Give positive feedback.  Be encouraging.  Tell them you love them and that you’re proud of them.  Cheer for your wrestler, loudly, proudly, and positively.  Cheer for all Eagle wrestlers the same way.  Your voice may be the positivity another athlete on the team may need to hear that day.  Challenge them to work hard, cheer their results!  

Third, know that health and hygiene are hugely important!  Every day your wrestler may be tired, sweaty, hungry, possibly even sore.  They need to recover.  Make sure your athlete drinks water.  Make sure to avoid sweets and processed foods.  Focus on healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables.  Make sure they wear clean practice gear to wrestling every day and shower after every practice.  Make sure they get to bed on time and get the sleep they need to recover.  

Fourth, know the sport!  Learn the terms and details so you can understand what is so important to your athlete that they are spending so much time learning it.  Use our glossary to help you.  Your wrestler wants to be able to communicate with you about more than wins and losses.  Be able to ask what they were doing to set up their head inside single in the first period, or what breakdown they could have checked down to in the second when the deep waist wasn’t working.  They will know you care by the interest you show!  

Know that wrestling is all about the process, not the product.  We learn lessons with each match, each practice, win or lose.  The wrestler who doesn’t win today is being prepared to win tomorrow.  Win or lose, your wrestler will learn the lessons on the mat that will carry through to adulthood.  Trust the process!

Know what the wrestling world looks like from your child’s eyes.  They are wrestling for the same reasons that led you to join activities when you were young.  They are having a good time and they are making friends.  Encourage this.  Eliminate any unnecessary pressure.  Your athlete will be tested physically, emotionally, and mentally.  They may get bumps, bruises, possibly even bleed.  They may cry.  They will be okay.  They are healthy.  They are growing.  They are enjoying it.  Wrestling is the toughest sport your child will ever love and does more for your child than any other sport.  Go on the journey with them.  Youth goes fast, and youth sports seasons go even faster.  Lessons, memories, relationships and friendships will last.  Enjoy these moments!  

Hustle. Heart.