... on Making Excuses, Part II
In Part II of "Making Excuses" we will examine two of what I consider to be the "Top 5" excuses made in wrestling.
EXCUSE NO. 1 - "MY COACH DOESN'T LIKE ME!"
I am sure everyone of you has had a bad practice or match when
the coach came down on you quicker than bears on honey. Well, that's part of the program...and it brings to my mind the day my older brother, Floyd, came home after an extremely agonizing practice.
It was Floyd's junior year in high school, when he came shuffling into the house with his head hanging down, complaining to Mom and Dad
about how rough practice was and how badly the coach treated him. As the younger brother, I just sat there and listened.
Mother completely ignored him, while Dad's only remark was, "If you can't take it, Floyd, then quit!" My brother immediately realized that he would find no pity at home...and so did I.
Needless to say, Floyd stuck it out and I think it was a very wise decision. Two months later, Floyd was crowned the 1959 120-Pound PA State Champion at Penn State's Rec Hall.
So, just remember, when your coach stops yelling at you for messing up at practice or during competition...then it's time to start worrying about not being liked by the coach.
EXCUSE NO. 2 - "BUT COACH, I WASN'T PINNED!"
You know, I can remember getting pinned once, or was it...Well, let's just say I've been pinned. Anyway, I finally figured out how to eliminate the problem of pins...including "quick" pins. So, listen very, very carefully. All you have to do is "STAND UP!" Yes, that's it...stand up. Now a lot of people don't realize this, but rarely will an official call a pin when you are standing up. If he does, the man is in for a very long night, that's if he survives the call.
But seriously, wrestlers, anytime you put your shoulders, or allow your opponent to put your shoulders on or near the mat...you are
asking for trouble--quick pin or not. So, the key is, "STAY OFF YOUR BACK!" If you don't, blame nobody but yourself.
Updated November 17, 1998