So at a recent tournament. I saw a kid celebrating after placing. Although the kid didn’t take 1st. He still placed. I overheard a comment made that the kid was celebrating as if he had just won state or a natty title. A few matches before a kid lost in the blood round. And he threw a fit (slamming headgear, barely shook hands, didn’t talk to Coach, and stomped up the bleachers). Behavior like that doesn’t seem to get frowned upon. Some look at it as being a competitor. Some think it’s alright to celebrate after a win, some don’t. Some think it’s acceptable to storm off after a loss, some don’t. I absolutely have no problem with someone celebrating after a win. Who knows what that person has been through to achieve that win. As far as storming off and throwing tantrums. I don’t condone. Shake your opponents hand (he got the best of you) stop and talk to your coach (he has been there to help you) once you do all that. Then by all means, throw your tantrum if that makes you feel better.

"I learned early on as a wrestler that we win and lose with poise and respect. That lesson stuck with me, and it was reinforced by the mentors I had as a young coach. There’s a process, and we follow it. When a tough loss hits, I tell my wrestlers: don’t give your opponent the satisfaction of seeing that it shook you. Don’t melt down in front of the crowd—handle your emotions privately, then reset and get your focus back. If there’s another match ahead, be ready for it."

Forgive this 85 year old fan if this offends anyone. As a fan, Parent, Grandparent and Great Grandparent of many wrestlers, I was blessed to watch my 1st State Champion in 1982 and i will never forget how compossed both wrestlers were after the overtime defeat of a 44-0 prior to this match. He shuck the hand and walked off the mat with no emotion. The winner just smiled and reached for his "I'd rather be fishing" hat. No celebration. That 44-1 wrestler taught our Family how to act forever and now remains a good Friend. Our coaches teach disapline every day at practice and demand it at tournaments. When i see wrestlers throw the head gear ect. I just think how he surely wasn't taught right. I love the wrestler who after a win, shakes hands and walks off like he has won before. Even though, in some cases the coach grabs him with a huge hug. Last State tournament, i had a cousin who was a Freshman, win State at 120 pounds and after taking his leg band off, he started to raise his pointer finger up to his fans and immediately dropped it. I ask him if his coach chewed his a$$ for unnecessary celebration! LOL To sum up. Win with respect for your opponent. Lose with respect for the opponent and you will never regret it later in life. Strickly my opinion. Thanks,