West Virginia Wrestling

WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

by Dr. Bill Welker

... on Wrestling as a Team Sport

To me, wrestling is most definitely a team sport!

Although many observers would vehemently disagree with this statement, I say that they couldn't be further from the truth. In defense of this point, let me now compare a wrestling team to the vital parts of the body.

Note, if one organ fails, the entire body suffers gravely or even dies. Likewise, it takes the whole mat squad--every participant working at his utmost potential and each member supporting one another--to win important dual meets and the big tournaments.

So, the efforts of just part of the team, whether it be wrestling or cheering on the bench, will not get the job done.

Furthermore, a mat event is a very psychologically-oriented phenomenon, which includes that unique factor known as peer pressure. Because of the spirit, drive, resolution, and pride emanated by team cohorts on the sidelines, many less skillful grapplers have often defeated their superior adversaries.

Yes, there can be no doubt about it; the mat sport surely involves "teammanship." And, the motto of any great squad must be "All for one and one for all."


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Updated June 17, 1997