Joseph has been attending the RB Youth wrestling program since kindergarten. The season runs from November through January and includes practices/sessions 2 nights a week. He and Rich seem to enjoy going together and although Joseph says it is hard and he often comes home tired, part of which may be that it runs from 6 to 8, but he seems to really like it. The program also gives the opportunity to compete in tournaments throughout the season if interested. The first two years Rich just wanted to expose Joseph to the sport and learn the basics; however, this year, after talking with Joseph they decided to have him compete in his first tournament. The tournament was held on December 15th at RB High-Joseph and Rich were there by 7:00 a.m. to weigh in and to warm up and the girls and I arrived around 8:30. He had 5 matches spread out throughout the day. I am still very much learning about this sport so I don't know all of the ins and outs but I will say that it is intense. I videoed each of his matches but could barely watch myself...there is just something about having your son out on a mat with one other child trying to get one another to the ground in all sorts of strange positions. Joseph was nervous but excited and I am so thankful that Rich was down on the mats and was able to coach him throughout each match. His first match was the most emotional and ended up with Joseph, Rich and I all in tears but we all survived and each match got better. He actually won the last two so finishing the day out on a high note was awesome! Rich and I are most proud of him because of that-he never gave up and only got stronger. He learned from his mistakes the first 2 matches and made changes to what didn't work the first few times around. Joseph is focused, determined and has grit. He may not have the most natural ability out there but he works hard and can come out on top if he is consistent with this work ethic and attitude. We are so proud of him for trying something new and for sticking with it.
He had quite the support crew in the stands! Nani and Poppa were there along with the entire Ozeck family! We took turns in between matches to go outside to get some fresh air and run around but the girls did great, especially for being there from about 8:30 to 1:30. They kept one another occupied with babies, notebooks and snacks!
We decided that this would be the only tournament that Joseph would wrestle in this year. He told us that he liked it but didn't want to enter another one until next year when he is stronger ;). Joseph continued going to wrestling practice through January but when Rich's class schedule switched nights we had to cut the season short because the late night practice (6-8) just didn't work with the girls but Joseph didn't seem to mind that he had to stop. He does seem to like it but he also said that he likes going because he knows Daddy likes it so we want to make sure that it is what he wants to do, too! We'll see what next year brings but we are so proud of him for this experience!
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