Wrestling…A Whole New World!

My high school never had a wrestling program. My oldest brother wrestled for a short time at our former school, but I was too young to really remember it. But this morning I had the privilege to cheer on my Godson/nephew, Bennett as he wrestled in his second tournament! Bennett is in second grade, and before I even saw him wrestle I was proud of him…proud of him for venturing out into a new sport that he had never participated in before this year!

As I was watching these small boys wrestle before it was Bennett’s turn, it was a little overwhelming for me–I instantly became nervous and very tense! I really had to force myself to relax! It was the strangest thing…I can’t even describe it. I don’t know if I was nervous for Bennett, or if I was just feeling out of my comfort zone in immersing myself in a sport I knew nothing about! 🙂

When Bennett spotted us from across the gym, he had the biggest smile on his face! We all waved at him and gave him lots of “thumbs up!” He looked so grown up in his bright blue singlet! Of course to cheer him on a little more, I wore his school t-shirt that he gave me for Christmas for the first time! That was fun!

I was so proud of my Benny and how hard he wrestled! Every now and then he’d look over to us and smile…as he was on the mat wrestling! 🙂 He wrestled three other boys and did so very well! It sure looked like he had wrestled in more than just one tournament before today! He was sure proud of his trophy that he earned, and rightly so! I’ve added a couple of short videos of Bennett’s wrestling success at the bottom of this post. 🙂 Enjoy!

To Bennett: Benny, I realize your mom might show you what I’ve written about you here. Thank you for inviting us to your wrestling tournament this morning! It was so fun to watch you and to cheer you on, and I was so proud to be wearing the Benton shirt you gave me for Christmas!! I want you to know I am SO VERY PROUD of you Mister! You chose to not give up on wrestling after learning through your first tournament…you chose to practice, to work at home with dad, to keep your great attitude about it, and to get better and stronger! You are a true winner, Bennett! I am honored to be your Godmother and your aunt! You have a special place in my heart, and I love you so much! GREAT JOB, BENNETT!

(your favorite aunt!) 🙂