Simple Equipment

As of yesterday at about 4 p.m. my 15 year wrestling career came to an end. I have been wrestling since I was six and until these past couple of years it had been successful. College wrestling was a big transition from high school and for me I had a hard time making it but it was still fun and well worth it. Wrestling has been the sport that has taught me the most about my life and how to deal with the peaks and valleys. This sport alone is one which offers so many rewards but requires the most work in order to obtain them. There is not one day that will go by in which wrestling will not be a part of something I do, directly or indirectly. At the time it seemed like just another sport, only tougher but looking back it was so much more. I hated going to practices but loved what I received from participating and I loved competing. This is a sport which can do so much for anybody who wants to put forth the effort. Its rewards are endless and so is the commitment which it demands. I cannot not say enough for this sport or the people who have helped me along. Between my brothers Tanner and Rikki, my Uncle Chris, my Grandma and Grandpa Dorthy and Dick, two high coaches Matt Ries and Rob Llorca, college coaches Don Parker, Russ Peloquin, and Derek Sikora, and most importantly my teammates, my family and specifically my mother Sue Fisher and Father Rick Hendricks! This sport has helped me grow individual but build great relationships with all of these people. In high school and even before that, the family would gather as they traveled to our weekend tournaments, no matter the distance. During the busy work week, they would take time out of their busy schedules and travel to home or away meets to support me and the team. Our family grew and bonded over all sports but none more than wrestling. I can't say enough for this sport as it has done endless work in my life. I love and will miss it. Whoever thought such simple equipment such as wrestling shoes and head gear could lead to such great life lessons and even greater memories. I can only hope more people involve their kids in this great sport as I know I will want mine to.