Seth started out really well in his wrestling career at age 5 but now that he’s nine he definitely has to work a lot harder for wins because unlike Seth who practices only during the season as a town sport, most of the other participants are in clubs.

Seth had a meet today and I didn’t go so I have nice detailed texts from Rich.

When I got up this morning they were about to leave and Seth was wearing 1) his Nike leggings 2) his wrestling shorts that are just like Tristan’s from the HS team who is a great wrestler and Seth looks up to him, and 3) his Champion Tshirt from when he won states at 7 year old.  As soon I opened the door and came out of my room he walked straight to me without a word and gave his mom a big hug which became a moment I have thought about all day long.  “You look snazzy!” I said.

Sometimes wearing just the right clothes gives you that winning edge.

I awaited the first update and here is is:

10:32am

“Seth lost a heart breaking match.  He was up 8-2 but got caught in a headlock and got stuck for a pin late in the 3rd against the same boy he lost to a few weeks ago.  It was a crazy fast paced match.  Both boys are real good but Seth was clearly the better wrestler today which made it hard for me to watch the way it ended.  The other boy’s head coach came over after the match told Seth the same thing.  Ugh!!!  Time to wrestle for 2nd.”

As his mom I felt better a little while later when Rich sent me this adorable photo of Seth and his friend Johnny talking over their matches in a quiet corner.  I can see a smile on Seth’s face and I had imagined him like huddled in a corner crying or something (which he honestly never does).

11:18am

“He won his second match.”

“Good!  How was it?  Points or pin?”

“He won by pin.  He could have wrestled better though so we need to do better this next match.”

12:07pm

“He just won his 3rd.  Most exciting match of the day so far.  He was down 3-4 with 20 seconds left in the 3rd and he was wrestling very well.  Seth was on top but having a hard time turning him for back points.  I had Seth let him up which would give the other kid a point but if we could get a takedown we could tie it and have a chance for the win.  Well Seth got a takedown with only seconds left to tie it and we went into overtime.  (In first overtime first wrestler to score wins.)  Seth got in on a good shot but they ended up in a scrambled he couldn’t finish it going out of bounds.  Then he got the same shot but ended up in a scramble that was back and forth–at one point the other kid clearly had better position and almost scored the takedown, but Seth held the helm and ended up being able to get around and finish the takedown for the score, the win, and to take 2nd for the day!”

Way to go Seth (and his Dad)!