Patrick, I have watched Alex grow over the last year and have enjoyed our visits over the last months. Wrestling is an emotional rollercoaster, every practice, match, and tournament. Not only for you the parent/coach but especially for the child that never wants to disappoint. You can’t be more correct in your comments above, keep it in perspective and keep it fun. While there are life lessons to be learned more in this sport than any other it is important to find the right balance. Alex’s commitment to getting better over the last year is amazing and his success will come. However, please don’t measure this success by win/loss records or brackets on the wall. To only consider these would be missing all the important things. Your words hold a lot of truth in my mind and while it is easy to get caught up in the moment/season etc, it is important to take time, step away and reflect on the direction we are taking our kids. Thank you for helping me do just that as well! While Tanner is disappointed in his results as well and understands what it will take next year to improve, he is on to flag football and (hopefully soon) chasing lighting bugs!

Enjoy your summer!

Jeff