Growing up around and in the wrestling community, I fell in love with wrestling. For as long as I remember I've seen and met so many different wrestlers, coaches, referees, parents and the community is no like no other.

When I have kids, I want them to be whatever they want and join whatever they want, but I wouldn't be upset if I had a wrestler.

1. You have to learn to be on your own.

In wrestling, the only people on the mat are you and your opponent. It's all or nothing, it all depends on you. You have to learn to rely on your own resources and be confident out there. Being on your own makes you mentally tough.

2. You have to be part of a team.

Yes, your team isn't on the mat with you, but during team meets you have to earn points for your team to add to the total. In a team meet, not one wrestler can win it all. Also, you're going to be practicing together and pushing one another to be better.

3. You learn to not let the stupid comments roll off your back.

"I don't want to be a wrestler because the singlet is something a girl would wear." "I don't want to be a wrestler because I would have to touch on another guy and that's gay." Well, as the famous quote goes... "Other sports play with balls, wrestlers have them."

4. You learn to understand that getting what you want will take work.

Cutting weight, conditioning, weight training, bumping up weight, and/or maintaining weight is tough. I've watched boys eat dry salad and running on a treadmill wearing layers. The difficulty of the sport turns some away, but those that are mentally tough to stick through it are the ones who are successful.

5. It's a family like no other.

Wrestling is a sport like no other. The parents, coaches, and wrestlers share a bond and a love for a sport that is difficult for others to get into or understand, but for those who do stick like glue.

Like I said, I don't care whatever my child wants to be, but if God gave me a wrestler... I know I got a tough one.