WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS
by Dr. Bill Welker
CHAMPIONS: DON'T FORGET YOU ARE GIFTED
BY Bill Welker
Wrestling Columnist
Since my days as a competitor, coach and official, I have often wondered who acquires more positive character traits: the highly-talented athletes or the unnoticed ones competing against
.
We have often heard on sports networks from superior athletes how hard they trained and sacrificed to reach their world-class stature. And that's admirable.
However, being involved in athletics for over six decades, I have witnessed so many, many competitors, who were considered the "also rans," who worked out just as much, even more, than their more talented counterparts, but they didn't have nearly the physical "tools" to reach the same heights. I am sure many of my readers, who competed in sports, can easily relate to this athletic fact.
My advice to many champion athletes, drop the arrogant attitude and "showboating." Instead, be thankful for the physical gifts and the natural talents you were given. But for those who continue to be full of
themselves, I would highly recommend that they visit St. Jude's Children's Hospital or any Shriners' Hospital. It would be a great reality check.
* * *
Of all my outstanding wrestling teammates in high school, I am reminded of Jan Price, a fellow senior, the most. He was one of my closest friends on our high school's wrestling team.
It wasn't until later in my life that I realized what an inspiration Jan Price was to his fellow teammates regarding individual persistence.
During his four years as a high school wrestler, Jan Price never missed a practice, never placed in a tournament, rarely won a bout, and never wrestled a single varsity match. But most importantly, Jan Price never quit the wrestling team. Jan's athletic determination inspired the rest of us on the team.
As a coach, years later, I have had many Jan Prices on my wrestling rosters. I was always impressed with their tenacity. They worked with intensity at practice, pushing the varsity performers to their limit. Their only reward was watching their varsity counterparts succeed in competition.
These wrestlers (the likes of Jan Price) have made such a deep impression on me that I composed the following poem dedicated to such inspirational competitors, who lack the physical attributes to stand at the top of the podium.
THE CHAMPION'S CHAMPION
He's the one loved by his peers,
Though on the bench -- he always cheers,
He keeps the first man on his toes,
And never quits - why, no one knows.
*
He puts the champion where he's at,
By making him work to earn his plaque,
His name's not found in big headlines,
But he's always there come practice time.
*
I often wonder -- were the champion second team,
Would he keep on trying or lose his gleam,
Would he give his all if there was no fame,
And not give up for the good of the game.
*
There are no questions in this man's mind,
The Champion's Champion -- in life -- will do just fine.
* * *
Yes, these special athletes are the ones who later experience tremendous success and prominence in their chosen professions because they have learned to stay the course without any glory during their school days. They are the unsung heroes on all athletic teams who win as adults.
I often wonder who learns more from sports: the Champion or the Champion's Champion.
Food for thought.
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