Grappling with life: how wrestlers use the sport as an escape
Carlisle High School inspired custom wrestling shoes sit in the middle of the wrestling room. After the Thundering Herd’s long practice spent preparing for the 2021 season. The Herd look to improve upon their 8-7 season a year ago.
A sport famous for its intensity has the ability to transcend high school athletes from boys to men. Wrestling has a unique way of changing your character and your outlook on life. Whether that be the indescribably tough practices, the weight cuts, or the feeling you get when you’re alone out on the mat, wrestling challenges you mentally and physically and to some people, that is the perfect escape.
From the writer's perspective
“Once you enter the practice room or step on the mat, nothing else matters. Since I have wrestled I have witnessed student-athletes from many different walks of life utilize the sport to elevate their character.
Personally, wrestling has been my life with my brothers being the coaches. It is a constant open door that allows me to escape and have fun doing what I love with my best friends and my family. And to see the effects it has on the people that are involved in it is extremely satisfying; the sport truly betters you as a person in every way.”
Ibrahim didn’t start wrestling until his 7th grade year for the Herd and has since blossomed into a District Qualifier last year as a junior.
This is very different from another senior on the wrestling team Clayton Shughart, who has wrestled for almost 12 years of his life.
“The sport is a great way to not think about the other issues I’m going through and I can just have a good time with people I enjoy being around,” Shughart said. “It has given me a reason to keep driving and have something to look forward to in times of uncertainty.”
This has been extremely important this year as the pandemic has terrorized the scheduling and the certainty of the season.
Senior and captain of the team Noah Clawson said, “ Not being able to compete would definitely influence my mental health, especially this year. With everything going on in the world it is very easy to feel helpless. Thankfully we have been given the opportunity to compete this year.”
This year Clawson will have the opportunity to go for his 100th varsity win along with two of his other Thundering Herd teammates Colton Zimmerman, and Sean Smith this season.
“Wrestling teaches athletes discipline and perseverance,” said Coach Wilson, who has been coaching the sport for 15 years. “Discipline because you need to watch your weight and stay strong, perseverance and accountability because it’s only you out on the mat. You can’t hide behind someone else or blame a teammate. It is a sport that will help any athlete grow.”
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Jarrett is a senior at Carlisle High School. He enjoys being very active outside of school, he plays three sports for the Herd and is a member of senior...
John Peters • May 27, 2021 at 2:52 pm
Jarrett this is a great piece on some of the ins and outs of wrestling. I never knew how difficult it could be to cut weight for the team, but it is clear that all of you are super dedicated to being the bet for your team!
Heidi Heinlein • May 21, 2021 at 11:19 am
This was a great piece Jarrett! I really enjoyed reading it to see y ‘all’s perspective on wrestling. As a fellow athlete, I tend to ignore other sports and their successes or thoughts due to a focus on my own. Wrestling is difficult so all praise to the team who is dedicated enough to cut weight. That is crazy difficult. I am so glad you were all able to participate and compete this year. Good luck next year!
Tom Wivell • Jan 23, 2021 at 8:38 am
Well said Jarrett ,it speaks well of the program, the sport and the tea.mates as well as the school. Stay positive.
Steve Kittey • Jan 22, 2021 at 10:48 pm
As a retired newspaper editor who also was a sports editor for over 25 years and wrote about wrestling matches as well as feature stories on Pennsylvania state champs, this was a very well-written article. Congrats to the author and keep working hard on and off the mats.
Pat • Jan 22, 2021 at 6:25 pm
Great article by a great guy whom is going to succeed in life. Good luck!