Max's First Wrestling Meet

Last week, Max started wrestling. He loves it. Not loves it like baseball or soccer, but LOVES it. He talks about it all the time and is always trying his "moves" on his family. On Saturday, he had a meet here in Billings. He had been to 3 practices prior to the meet, and Gavin and I tried to explain that the other boys had been wrestling for at least a year before him, if not two (who knew they start kids wrestling so YOUNG?), and suggested that maybe he work on his skills for another week or two before he competed. Not to be dissuaded, Max told us that he would be just fine, and he understood that he may not win, and that was okay. Bella chimed in by reminding us all that the Bobcats always lose, and we still like them - thank you, Bella.

Well, on Saturday morning, Dad made Max a Breakfast of Champions, and they went to the meet at 8 (start time: 9:00 am). The girls and I followed a bit before 9:00. I almost DIED when I walked into the Shrine Auditorium and found it FULL with wrestling fans and little male and female (there were quite a few young ladies). I had no idea that wrestling was so HUGE in Billings. And screaming fans! It was incredible. I tried to capture the situation below, but it was packed on all four sides of the gym! There were two mats, and people spilling off the bleachers. It was amazing.

Well, Max wrestled his heart out and looked adorable in his singlet (see below) while doing it. He lost both his matches in short order, which we expected - but was very difficult for him (watching him try to keep his emotions in check was VERY hard for mom). He hates to lose, and has had great success with soccer and baseball right out of the chute, so this was a bit different for him but was a real learning experience. Best part: he was SO excited to hit the gym for practice on Monday so he could improve his skills. He'll get his chance, because on Sunday he and Gavin are off to Colstrip for another meet. We'll keep you posted.