Wow, are we ever excited for Bailey. He started wrestling about three weeks ago and had his first meet. I never expected him to be the best on the mat, really I was wishing we could use it as a real-life learning experience for him. Let me just tell you that I couldn't have asked for a better situation for teaching important lessons.
When we arrived in Junction for his first meet I could tell that he was very unsure about the whole thing. Don't get me wrong he loves practice and would prefer to just do that. While Bailey sat on the side of the mat he watch one after another friend wrestle, and all the while his anxiety kept building. When it was his turn to step up to the line I really didn't know how or what he would do. Lucky for him he had two of his coaches there leading him along as he took on his opponent. I was so into the match that I didn't even look at the points. He really did well for never competing before, but clearly we had more work to do. When he started the third round I looked and saw that he had14 points, while his opponent had 6. I was so proud of what he had done. It was so important for him to know his coaches were there instructing him on what to do, and as he listened to them he would be fine.
During his second match he met with a boy who had a lot more experience than he did. This was a tough battle. He even stared to cry because the odds were so far against him. The boy was Bailey's age and the same weight but clearly had learned more than Bailey had. The struggle moved through the two rounds and finally during the third Bailey was pinned. It was unfortunate, but I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity for Bailey. What would he learn if on his first chance he had no struggle, no disappointment.
Finally on his last match he was ready to wrestle. During the break we were able to talk on how to improve his skill. Such as staying on top, and driving hard with his legs to get his opponent on his back. All of his coaches were helping with other matches so it was just the two of us. It was one of the most difficult three rounds that I had seen all day. Both boys were trying very hard, so hard that they both were crying at the end. Bailey stayed on top and finished the match 6 points to 5. It was so close, I was afraid that he wouldn't be able to pull it off.
So it ended with Bailey taking home a Silver medal. He did so well, we are excited about working through the rest of the season and see how much he can improve.
