Thanks Warriors

Thanks, warriors...
This is a great letter from one of the great fans of New Jersey wrestling, Kurt Epps, from February 2006.

Lest we forget some unsung heroes…
NJ wrestling fans are at fever pitch, what with the onset of districts, regions and, of course, the Big Dance down at AC. That’s as it should be. Finally, we’ll get to see who’s been right all along with forum predictions, matchups and analyses. We’ll see the big guns get after each other, maybe a couple of surprises and probably more than a few disappointments.

But I’d like to raise a glass to those grapplers whose seasons ended at the districts last weekend. Not those who were expected to advance and didn’t, due to some unforeseen mishap or upset, because those things happen. To them go my condolences and best wishes.

I’m talking about the kids who may not have begun wrestling until recently, but decided to give wrestling a try. Many of these warriors went through the same number of drills, dealt with the same weight issues, and sacrificed the same blood, sweat and tears as those who are still alive, getting ink, hoping for medals and longing for memories they can look back on when the paunch begins to form—which it will.

Let’s salute those wrestlers who, without much fanfare, have ended their respective seasons, perhaps forever, perhaps to move on to another sport or another season, but who, through their commitment and sacrifice have come to know the real value of being a wrestler.

Their participation has not only benefitted them, but has uplifted us as well; for by their sacrifice, those of us in the stands and at matside have reaffirmed that there is indeed something valuable beyond the press, the hardware and the fame of winners. Sure, the big guns get talked about, but most of these “little” guys never get mentioned except as a stat that adds to somebody else’s record. They are, however, every bit as important to this most unforgiving, most demanding and noblest of sports as the stars, because they went out on the mat to face another opponent single-handedly, often with little, if any, hope of winning. They practiced what Lombardi preached—Courage is getting knocked down seven times—and getting up eight.

They are warriors all, and my hat is off to them. They have learned that reward comes with sacrifice and commitment to a cause—in this case, a sport that when played properly is as beautiful as it is brutal—kind of like life itself.

One of my favorite quotes is “There are no losers in wrestling, only those who have never wrestled.” I think it fits these unsung heroes well.

As does “Wrestling isn’t for everyone; then again, neither is the word “Warrior.”

Here’s to the kids whose seasons are over.

Thanks, Warriors. You gave us all something to treasure.

Wrestling is the only sport. Everything else is just a game.