Wrestling is more than just a sport. It’s a time-honored tradition and one of the oldest and purest forms of martial arts. We’ve been grappling with one another for far longer than we’ve been fighting with our fists and feet. Wrestling is an extremely sophisticated sport that helps young people not only to build strength and endurance but discipline, sportsmanship and character development. Yet, it is no surprise to anyone that new coaches begin their careers with some trepidation.

They worry that, as with any contact sport there’s the potential for foul play or at the very least horseplay. They may also worry about injuries, altercations, unhealthy competition or a failure to take this time-honored sport seriously; mistaking it for the choreographed dance performed by men in tights that they see on TV.