Guest Column by Ted Witulski: Setting the Vision
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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
11/14/2003
When I was growing up the kids in the family all knew it. Dinnertime was at 5:30 p.m. and everyone was expected to be there. Missing wasn't an option, whether we were going to eat pot roast or yesterday's meatloaf. A shared meal with my Mom and brother and five sisters was time that was sacrosanct. Sure as we grew up the older siblings were no longer there, and there was a little more elbowroom at the table, but the ritual of breaking bread together remained. Now that I look back, that meal together was important. At the time I know I probably would have rather been out doing other things, but that shared meal was an important line in the sand for my Mom to draw. Out of that time together, our family drew closer. We had a better understanding of what was important in each other's lives. We were ready to support each other in our ups and our downs. And most importantly, we were able to share hopes and dreams and see into the future as a family. What the meal together really meant was that as we were setting the table, together as individuals, we came together as a family, and set the vision for our future. When people decry the fall of American civilization they often point to a myriad of typical problems: drug use, divorce, domestic abuse, and alcoholism to name a few. Few people take note that less than one-third of American families regularly eat together in their home anymore. Of course, the fast paced be everywhere do everything life was bound to creep into the most treasured parts of family life. But what have we given up in exchange? Have we lost the ability to set the vision of our future? In a few short months a once every four-year tradition will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana. For four long years wrestlers have thrown their hearts and souls into the dream of representing America in the Olympics. Now more than once, I have heard the wrestling community described as a "family". For that analogy to hold true, the Olympic Trials are very important. As large as the wrestling family is, it is hard to bring our wrestling family together. But if ever there was a time for a family reunion, the Olympic Trials is it. Contained within one spectacular weekend of wrestling eighteen Americans will be selected to represent the United States in the return of the Olympic games to its ancient roots, Athens. The competition will be spirited. The wrestling will be the best that United State has to offer, far surpassing the skills of even the NCAA Division I Championships. The confrontations will be epic as the likes of two World Champions-Dremiel Byers and Rulon Gardner face off in one weight class. And, a Hawkeye favorite in Steve Mocco attempts to unseat a previous Olympian and World Silver Medalist in Kerry McCoy. For four long years wrestlers will have poured their hearts and souls into the goal of reaching the top of the podium in the Olympic year. Will Cael Sanderson make his first Olympic Team? Will Keith Sieracki get his chance to represent the red, white, and blue after losing in a legal battle in 2000? Will America put forward four women who can bring home the gold? But, the most important question may be, "will you be there to help make sure the wrestling family is together?" While we undoubtedly will witness the incredible and cheer the victors, the role that you play cannot be overlooked. If you are there, and you bring your wrestling family from your school or club with you, then the sport will be strengthened because of your dedication and determination to have everyone at the table. Make it a challenge to yourself to bring as many people as you can into the wrestling fold next May. This past summer Olympic Gold Medalist Kenny Monday spoke at the Team Texas Silver Level College. As he reflected on his wrestling career, his message kept coming back to a recurrent theme. "To get wrestlers to succeed, you have to set the vision." For Monday, the vision was set back in Oklahoma as a young boy, watching Bedlam Duals-Sooners vs. Cowboys. The parents and coaches that exposed Monday to a higher level of wrestling did right by him. The vision took root and drove him on to greater accomplishments. Everyone in the wrestling community has within them the same power. We can set the vision by bringing all of the members of our wrestling family together this May in Indianapolis. The more people that are there next May 21-23rd the stronger the vision for the future of wrestling will be. Less than one-third of American families sit down on a regular basis and share a meal together-a drastic decline from a generation ago. In a sense our American families have stopped setting the table and the vision. If we are a wrestling family, then the Olympic Trials must become our family reunion. Each and every member of the wrestling family must strive to celebrate the sport and our unity together next May in Indianapolis. Next May, the vision for the sport of wrestling will be set. With every car load and plane flight of people coming to town for the thrilling spectacle of the Olympic Trials the sport of wrestling will be made stronger. Certainly, there will be excuses the wrong time of year, graduation, the season just got over with. But, in the end the excuses hold the sport of wrestling back, just like a wrestler who blames the referee for a bad call will never completely accept control of his fate. We need our wrestling family together next May. We need coaches, parents, and club leaders to lead our young wrestlers to Indianapolis so they can be exposed to that wrestling vision that takes a hold of us. The table will be set next May in Indianapolis. Please come set the vision with us.