I Believe in Wrestling by Matthew DeGarmo

Wrestling, the greatest sport ever created. Did you know that 14 of out U.S. presidents wrestled? Some of these included Washington, Lincoln, Adams, Theodor Roosevelt, Taft, Jackson, Taylor, and Coolidge. Lincoln wrestled over 300 matches in his life. Today I will be sharing with you how wrestling has influenced me and my life, how wrestling is good for students, and what students gain from wrestling. I Believe in Wrestling!

First, let's discuss why I chose to talk about wrestling and what it means to me. Wrestling is pretty much my life. What I mean is I do it all the time. The only time of the year that I don't wrestle is during football season. I am constantly surrounded by it and I love to do it. My mom knows how much I love it so she supports me but she doesn't really like it all that much. Usually I do everything on my own. Wrestling has become a lifestyle for me. Every week I ask myself, where am I going to go this weekend? Like I said, I am surrounded by wrestling.

Next, let's discuss why wrestling is good for students. One reason is that it keeps them doing something other than getting into trouble or doing drugs. I an NOT saying that kids only have two choices, do drugs or wrestle, I am simply saying that it is one of the few better alternatives to students getting in trouble. Students who wrestle also do much better in school. This is because they know that if they do not do well in school, then they will not be able to continue to be a part of the wrestling team. This is incentive to get good grades and focus on their studies while at the same time focus on wrestling.

Last, let's discuss what students get out of wrestling and what they gain from it. We already talked about how kids will be more focused on their studies and getting their grades up, this teaches them responsibility. They know that if they don't do their assignments that they might be failing the class and can't wrestle that weekend or whatever the case may be. They are responsible enough to get these things done on time and done well. Also they learn respect. Respect for their coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials. Whether they win by a lot or lose by a little, they know respect enough not to make a big deal out of things, at least not out on the mat. They also gain a special friendship that you can't get anywhere else other than on the Wrestling Team. Most of not all of these life skills are ones that you will carry with you for most of your life. No matter what situation, you can probably apply some of the skills you learned in wrestling to it and come out prosperous. Also wrestling teaches you just simply not to be lazy. Wrestling is the most physically demanding sport and if you work hard, you might just be as stacked as Chuck Norris.

Today I have shared with you how wrestling affects my life, how wrestling is good, and what you can gain from wrestling. Everyone has the opportunity to wrestle, and with all of these things to gain, hey! Why not? I Believe in Wrestling.