A Role Model

What a weekend!

Having a former wrestler husband and three little wrestlers of our own...we are a wrestling family. Coaching, practices, matches, sectionals, districts-it can be a lot. This weekend though, our season over, we headed to Columbus to The Ohio State University to watch what else, a wrestling match. A few other wrestling families went along and I think I speak for all the moms in attendance, this was the best wrestling experience we have shared with our young boys and husbands. The awe on the boys' faces as we walked into the arena, free posters in hand, brought a flutter to my own stomach.

Colt Sponseller, a local boy, is a nationally ranked senior at OSU. Because he is from our rural area, he is a local hero to our young wrestlers. Jerry has followed his high school and college career so my own boys are very familiar with him.

We were told after the match the boys could go down on the floor and the wrestlers would sign their t-shirts and souvenirs. The first "celebrity" we stumbled upon...Coach Tom Ryan. The boys again were overjoyed! Knowing he probably gets this attention regularly from wrestling fans, we were amazed at his genuine affection towards our very eager souls. He signed, he posed and even thanked us for coming. All with intense sincerity. So cool. The boys wandered from wrestler to wrestler, soliciting autographs from all the Buckeye wrestlers, who were equally as gracious.

Then the climax. Colt emerged from the locker room and before he could even hug his family, our boys were drawn to him like bees to honey. Literally. He appeared and instantly twenty little guys swarmed. He was so attentive and kind they ushered us to the hallway as they needed to clear the arena. He spoke to and autographed each child's memorabilia. You could almost hear them buzzing in anticipation for their turn to get close to him. He posed with them in more than enough photos, even encouraging "mean, wrestlers don't smile" and "funny face" shots.

We had heard of his character, his family's. Still, we couldn't believe this wrestler, from a Big Ten school, with an exceptional record, remained so humble. His entire family was so sweet. I had felt bad we were taking their time with him, but they insisted we let the boys enjoy this experience. And they absolutely did.

Amidst all of the sad and disappointing stories we hear of collegiate and professional athletes, it was so refreshing to meet a responsible, excelling, student athlete. One with a love of the sport so great, he shines, giving back to the ones who desire to be just like him.