We are living in a time of unclear, yet present danger in our country. Our nation has been attacked, and now our military is overseas fighting for democracy. There are real battles and wars being fought daily. Some people become concerned when coaches use expressions such as these. In wrestling our matches are not life and death, but pain and tears do come with this sport. Part of our training is also motivation and encouragement. I remember once saying to a group,” I would rather have five High School Wrestlers backing me to defend my family or country, in a terrorist situation than any other similar aged high school athletic group.” Wrestlers are taught to attack, counter attack, and set up their opponent to be victorious. Coaches drill moves, practice takedowns and wrestle, wrestle, wrestle. Each team warms up with a series of daily calisthenics. Basic training begins the first day of the season. Every coach from the Watertown Cyclones to the Cortland Purple Tigers value a tough workout. So how does wrestling help prepare you for military service?

Dave Shahbazi, a 2002 graduate of Fayetteville Manlius began his wrestling career as junior, strike one. Standing at 5’9” he weighed 235 pounds, strike two. With that against him he joined the team anyway. He promised to compete at 171 his senior year and that’s just what he did. He now serves our country, in the United States Navy, as a First Class Petty Officer.

How did wrestling help him prepare for the military?

“Before wrestling, I had no responsibilities, no discipline. Wrestling helped me to learn how to take the necessary steps to accomplish a goal. I never would have made it through RTC (Recruit Training Command) without wrestling.“

How did practice compare with your basic training?

“The calisthenics were about the same. We would do about fifty of each kind of exercise back then; push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and all of those. In RTC we may have ran more often.

Has wrestling helped you beyond basic training and into your military career?

“Wrestling helped me learn to lead. As one of the captains on my team, I learned that sometimes, then as now, you have to be tough on the group to accomplish your mission.”

Our mission on the mat is always a state championship. Wrestling however, can humble a person. There will only be one state champion in each division in each weight class. Then, as a senior, suddenly, it’s all over. When you untie your shoes for possibly the last time ever, you will ask yourself, did I do my best? Did I give each practice my best? Did I push when I didn’t have to? Could I have beat that one last opponent? So, as the season goes on, and the nights where you would rather be home hanging out with your friends playing Halo, ask yourself, am I giving it my best to accomplish the mission?

The real world awaits you. Some will go into the work, some will go to college, and some will serve our country. We are proud of our wrestlers. We are proud of our athletes. We are very proud of those who choose to protect our country.

Remember, it’s not a game, It’s Wrestling!