New Sports

Both boys decided to try out some new sports this fall and winter.

Luke joined football quite late, but there were a sweet team and group of coaches that decided to take a chance on him.

There was a lot of learning (and a lot of practices). Luke liked his first season of football even if he spent more time on the sidelines rather than the field. Football was much different than the other sports we have tried. This league, even though it's recreational, tends to be more competitive. We really aren't a competitive family. I spent more time telling Luke he was super cute in his uniform rather than yelling at him to hit harder or run faster.

His team made it all the way to the Peanut Bowl. They fell short in the last game of the season, but Luke was still super proud of his runner-up trophy. 

Luke with his 2nd grade cheerleader friends.

These two besties had their own 'pre-game' handshake.

Evan tried out soccer. He's been playing soccer with his friends at school for quite some time, but this is the first time he joined an official team. He did amazing. He found a niche at goalie (most stressful for the mother of the player...) and forward. I found a niche of cheering for him even if I had no clue what was going on.

And then we tried wrestling. Let me just say wrestling is not for the faint of heart...and my heart is faint. Evan went into his first tournament with only 3.5 hours of practice. The tournaments make for long days and high emotions. Wrestlers can go from scrappy fighters to sullen losers to ecstatic winners, and I've seen all three emotions within the same half hour. I've learned this sport is almost as mental as it is physical.  There is no team...each win or loss is you and only you and that can be difficult. Every eye is on you, watching your moves, watching you get pinned, watching you take someone down. It can be super intimidating as a young person and super heart wrenching for a momma. 

But in the end, I think wrestling teaches kids some important lessons. One, body control. Wrestling isn't about muscling your way to a win. It is about controlling your body and executing moves to a win. Second and impressively, it teaches the art of losing and winning. Losing AND winning gracefully is a hard skill that I see many adults even having a hard time mastering. When you lose in wrestling, you have to stand next to your opponent in front of everyone as they are declared the winner. You have to shake their hands and then shake the hands of the other coach. There is no smack talk. There is no gloating. Wrestling recognized everyone, winners and losers, work hard.

Both boys worked really hard this season! I am so impressed with them branching out and trying new things!