We came up against this exact situation this year. My oldest son decided that he no longer wanted to wrestle. He said, "It's not fun anymore, and I don't have time to do anything."

He is a great young man, respectful and responsible. He has a 4.0 in school, has participated in every sport this year, and last, was holding down a part time job (Fri. and Sat. nights), and had no time to just be a kid. This is his last year in middle school and because of his scheduling he had no time for school dances, spending time with friends, or anything else for that matter.

As we all know, becoming the best wrestler you can requires ALOT of time and dedication. Sometimes the love of the sport isn't enough to keep you in it. Sometimes the "fun" IS lost.

In hindsight, I wish we (his parents) had backed off a little, maybe let him skip a practice or two, not pushed for tournaments every weekend, done a little more encouraging and a little less criticizing (sp). Of course, this is all easier said than done.

Should anyone truly find the answer, please let me know, as I would love nothing more than to see him enjoy the sport he once loved again.