West Virginia Wrestling

WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

by Dr. Bill Welker

... on Making Excuses, Part V

In Part V of "Making Excuses," we will take a look at the final alibi (No. 5) which deals with quitting.

EXCUSE NO. 5 - "DAD, I DIDN'T MAKE THE TEAM, SO I WANNA QUIT."

One of my closest friends on our high school wrestling team was JAN PRICE. It wasn't until later in my life that I realized he might have been more of a champion than I was. In his four years as a high school wrestler, Jan never missed a practice, never placed in a tournament, rarely won a match, and NEVER made the varsity squad. But most importantly, JAN PRICE never quit...because he loved the sport of wrestling!

Jan's athletic determination has inspired me throughout my entire life. I will never forget his dedication to the sport of wrestling. Now, I hope in this five part series on "Making Excuses" you have learned that there are no excuses in athletics or life. True champions never make alibis for losing. On the contrary, They seek GUIDANCE from their coaches -- KNOWLEDGE from their teachers -- ADVICE from their parents - and INSPIRATION from GOD.

Hopefully, all of you will do the same!


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Updated November 27, 1998