The team’s athletic trainer called me at work about 3:30. I needed to get Colin to the emergency room as fast as possible. On the Tuesday after regionals, what was initially thought to be a shin bruise, was now a dark purple, hot, swelling, gross mass, the size of a mango, or a small eggplant.
He is responsible for that moment of intense pride. It wasn’t handed to him, it didn’t land on him when he opened the window. it did not come from me. And it gives me chills to witness the satisfaction he reaps from his own determination.
Coach Powell teaches you about personal growth
and how to accept the challenges of life. Kudos to the Huskies and to
their solid season.
Brendan Rogers, an OPRF Wrestler 2004-2009, talks about the impact Coach Powell had on his life, especially the moment Powell gave Brendan the team state medal; Brendan was unable to wrestle team state because of a knee injury.
Watch a video of the wrestlers at Oak Park and River Forest High School as they work out in the weight room.
It’s not like I have a lot of extra time. So I know not to waste yours. I am an assistant professor at Northwestern University in journalism working toward tenure. I write books, articles, essays. I grade a lot of papers and write scores of recommendation letters. I do laundry, cook and occasionally walk two miles around the local track. I have dinner with Lew two or three nights a week. I’m a decent sister and a good friend. And I’m a wrestling mom.
Do you know how much your child weighs down to the ounce? Do you avoid making eye contact with your child after he or she loses a match until your child approaches you? Do you find yourself wearing the school colors every day whether or not you are attending a meet or tournament?
Then you're a WMD. A Wrestling Mom or Dad.
And we'd love to hear your stories. Submit a guest column, a few photos, videos, or comments and we will publish them on the site.
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