I am so proud of all of our bulldog wrestlers who worked so hard all season. All of the push ups, sit ups and sprawls at every practice showed dedication and determination. Every year we have the newest and youngest to the sport remind us what this is all about - having fun and building self confidence. Through out the years we have those that return to this sport and it is such a joy to watch them grow emotionally and physically. Those that may be shy and reserved begin to push themselves and feel good about their accomplishments. As Coach Randy always says - it isn't what your coach thinks, your parents think or anyone else but you - the wrestler. You know the hard work you put into this sport and the hard work you put into competing at tournaments. You should all hold your head high and be proud of yourselves for being a part of the worlds toughest and oldest sport! Believe me, Coach Randy and myself are proud to be associated with such fine young student athletes!
Now, the tough part that may bring tears to my eyes as I think of two wrestlers who have been with us for many years - one of which is my oldest son. Levi McLemore and Lucky Torres will be moving on next season to wrestle for High School. Many times in the past four years I have been asked if I was Lucky's mom and I would always respond - today I am. Thank you Virginia for sharing him with me! Watching these two grow up every wrestling season has been so great. The tough times of dealing with high emotions and explosive behavior from both to the proud moments of seeing them show great sportsmanship and humility in victory and defeat. They have become the two that the younger wrestlers looked up to and I am so proud of them both!
For my son Levi, I only hope that he realizes how proud his father and I are of him. It has not been easy having his dad be his coach. Randy has been hard on him because he knew the ability and potential he has as a wrestler. He also knew when it was time to step back and allow others to coach him. The many years that he was always "one away" has made him stronger and more determined. I always remind the younger wrestlers who look up to him that it has taken Levi 7 years to become the wrestler he is today. On Saturday, Levi was a little tired after wrestling 6 times already and having to wrestle one more time, he was ready for the day to be over. But, on Sunday, he told me he was little sad after his last match. I guess knowing that it was really over. Well, lastnight when I asked his dad where Levi was we looked outside in the garage and heard his music playing and saw him using the jump rope and shadow wrestling. He now has bigger goals - those that are his own. His dad and I will now become the proud parents in the stand.
