| Journeys with Joseph: - 12/20/08 Wins and Losses, A Great Comeback, My Pin-happy Brother | ||||
|
Monday 12/8/08: Today was Vets wrestle-offs. I had no one in my bracket, so I got my spot. After that I went to Shorething. Although Coach Vinny did not run the practice, he had a wrestler fresh out of Penn State run it. I have to admit I was tired at the end of the practice and it was TOUGH! Tuesday 12/9/08: Today I had a short break; Vets practice only. Nothing new but feeling excited about next week. Been on the mats for a few weeks straight now and still waiting to get into full swing. Wednesday 12/10/08: Today I had Vets and Shorething. Coach Vinnie is still not back but I had good workouts both practices. Preparing for a tough match on the weekend--BYAA--strong opponents. Thursday 12/11/08: Today I am focused. I have a couple of tough matches on the weekend as it turns out. I'm trying to get mentally into this. It is just as important for me as the physical side. Friday 12/12/08: Today was crazy. I had 3 practices. First I had Vets. Currently training hard for the first match on Monday against Long Branch--some stiff competition there. Important for the team to start off strong. Then I went to Shorething with Coach Vinnie for a private lesson. It is always helpful. Wrestlers have to know the moves--be strong and smart. Vinnie talks about technique, strategy and strengthening. Then I went to Mat Rats--required for Friday's before competition. By the end of the day I was mentally and physically shot--not good for preparing for the weekend. I hope I can get out of this slump by tomorrow! This is where the mental and physical toughness come in. Saturday 12/13/08: What a great day! I was losing one of my matches, 5-to-1. I came back with 7 seconds left to tie it up. In overtime I successfully took my opponent down. We had a great and tough match. Proves that it is not over until the final whistle; and also the "never give up" theory works. Then I beat my other kid more soundly. Tomorrow I am wrestling in a tournament for Howell. Get to see some new kids and coaches. I know the Howell coaches really well and they know me. Sometimes I work out with the team so they know what I can do. Should be fun. One of the teams will be Jackson--the team to beat in the league and in middle school. Everyone has to have a good day and be totally on to beat them. They are tough. Hasn't been done in a while--it would be an upset, but upsets happen. Vets Middle School will be meeting Jackson next Thursday. Should be a blast! This is what we work hard for in the preseason. Sunday 12/14/08: Today was a good day. I went 3 and 1. First match I won with a pin. Then I lost 7-to-4 (Jackson). But then I came back and won the next one 12-to-3. The last match was a win 4-to-0. I felt I had done a good job by the end of the day and contributed to the team. Personally I thought I did ok even in the loss. I know what I did wrong and can fix it. My brother, though had a great weekend: 5-0 record with all pins! So I interviewed him!! |
