Wrestlers are a different breed

I got my wife, son, and his girlfriend to meet me in the parking lot right after school, and we caravaned up to Rome for Shorter's inaugural dual. At 4:00pm we were on our way. After fighting through traffic for two and a half hours we arrived. Before I choose a seat, I had four different wrestlers great me, and explain why they were not wrestling in the dual. It was funny to me that they felt a need to let me know why they weren't wrestling. I was just glad to see them, and have a chance to ask them how their grades were. I shook hands with several other people before I settled into a seat with my family. There was some pomp and circumstance to start the dual including a big check for matching funds presented by Team Georgia. The dual was starting, but it was going to be shortened by several matches due to forfeits. Shorter was looking very good, opening up with two first period falls. One of my favorite wrestling families appeared sitting right beside and behind me. Next thing you now, the dual is over. I walked the floor shaking hands with local coaches, wrestlers, and parents before we leave. My son and his girlfriend were going to Alabama to visit her grandparents so we grabbed a bite to eat before we split paths. A little before midnight and I was home. I had to be up early in the morning, so I got to bed as soon as I could. four plus hours of driving for about an hour of wrestling, and some comradery. I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Morning comes, and I am at Lambert. We have a USA tournament/training session. It is a chance for us to get matches in with other officials critiquing our calls, mechanics, and composure. I enjoy these events because it is something we do not get a chance to do during the season. Before we get started a middle school age wrestler comes up to me and shakes hands. He says that he had to go in for an extra work out last night to make sure he was on weight this morning. As his mom was driving him home they were hit by another car. He said it smashed up the front of their car badly. I asked if everyone was ok, and he said yes, but here is the funny part. As the police officer was writing up the accident report the mom told him that he needed to get her son's wrestling bag out of the car, so that he would not have to miss his match in the morning. That is a wrestling mom.
We had three officials with experience on our mat, and two that had not called any matches yet. I had a bad first match because I kept holding up the wrong color for points. I got it straightened out at the table, and no harm was done. It was not a very professional first match and not a good way to set the tone with the table workers, or the newer officials. The experienced officials did a good job of working with the new guys, but I think they could use some more practice on mechanics before they call any high pressure matches. Everyone on our mat did a good job of making the correct calls, but the newer guys needed practice selling their calls. They needed to make their calls in a crisp forceful manner, and be vocal. That takes practice, and they both improved throughout the day.
I caught a U17 girls soccer game Sunday, and helped scout one of the teams as I watched a young lady who plays for me on the opposing team. I was scouting for a friend of mine who showed up late in the second half. I gave him my report, and we discussed how much different it is being on the parents side of the field for a game. Sitting in the stands for a wrestling meet is similar. Sometimes it is easier to go stand by yourself so that you are not distracted by all of the comments.
I ended my weekend with a conference call for the TGWOA. That's Team Georgia Wrestling Officials Association. Although there were only four people on the call. We got a unique perspective from several viewpoints. I think we could have talked for two hours, but holding to standards, we limited the call to an hour, and opened up several questions/problems to solve during the next call. I am not loving the process, but I think in the end the hard work, will be good for Georgia wrestling.
I will be at Eastside Wednesday evening for wrestle-offs. I did a couple of wrestle-offs for them last year, and they had great action. I am looking forward to it. This will be my last practice session before opening day. I open with a JV quad at Collins Hill. Good luck everyone.