Part 3: Interpersonal Skills - Building Friendships and Respect

As a coach, I've learned that wrestling is not just about individual effort, but also about teamwork, communication, and respect. These are important interpersonal skills that have helped me succeed not just on the mat, but also in all aspects of my life. But how do we instill these things to a team?

One of the most rewarding aspects of wrestling has been the friendships I've formed. There's nothing quite like the camaraderie of a wrestling team. And, wrestlers are a different breed. One of my favorite things is watching these young men and women grow and form lasting bonds. It always makes me smile when I see these young adults a couple years removed from high school and they’re hanging out, or participating in each others weddings. These kids build bonds that won’t break.

Another important aspect of wrestling is showing respect for your opponents. No matter how intense the match, it's important to treat your opponent with respect both on and off the mat. This not only helps build sportsmanship, but also creates a sense of mutual respect that can translate into success in all areas of life.

Being around a really competitive team for the last couple years, you’d think that competition with your teammates could divide these friendships and cause friction toward the team, but I beg to differ. But, respect has to be part of the equation. Respect for your teammates and opponents can build really strong bonds. Some of the best friendships I seen, grow from kids on my team that were in the same weight and competing against each other.

So, to all the wrestlers out there, remember that wrestling is not just about individual effort. It's also about building friendships, communicating effectively with teammates and coaches, and showing respect for your opponents. These are important interpersonal skills that can help you succeed both on and off the mat, and can create memories that will last a lifetime. And, trust me the van ride stories……