I used to not be that in to wrestling because I didn't understand what was going on, but over the years I've been forced to learn about it because wrestling is a big part of the Griffin family and is often the topic of discussion when Pat and his dad get together. Now that I know what's going on, I really get in to it and love watching it.
Pat's dad wrestled at the University of Alabama, started a wrestling program at West Blocton High School and then went to TCHS and started one there. He has been coaching at TCHS ever since and I don't see him giving it up anytime soon. Pat loves coaching with his dad. They are both very passionate about coaching and love helping the kids better themselves. It makes me so happy to see him doing what he loves.
Pat's goal is for TCHS is to win a state championship. Most places in Alabama have a youth wrestling program and most middle schools have a wrestling team. In order to be the best, TCHS needs both in our community. At some schools, like Grissom, wrestling is really big and the whole community gets in to it, which is what Pat would like to see happen in Northport. What Pat and his dad do with their kids in 3 or 4 years, it takes other schools 7 or 8 years to get the same results. They both believe that the opportunities are endless if they get a youth program going and that TCHS will be churning out state champions left and right.
Pat coaches club wrestling in the spring and he's in the process of putting together a youth wrestling club for kids ages 5-12. He is hoping to have it up and running in the fall. So if you have any little ones, he wants them to wrestle! Pat's dad helped Echols Middle School start a wrestling program three years ago and they are excited about those kids moving up to TCHS.
I think wrestling is a good sport for kids to participate in because it doesn't matter how big or how small they are, they can wrestle. There are 14 weight classes that range from 106 pounds to 285 pounds. A lot of sports require boys to be big, or tall, or fast, but most kids can find their fit in wrestling. Wrestling helps improve speed and agility, it builds strength and stamina, and teaches self-discipline and hard work ethic. Wrestling is a one-on-one sport, if you lose the only person you can blame is yourself and not your teammates. There's no politics with who a coach "thinks is better," or picking favorites because the kids have wrestle-offs to see who starts. Pat wrestled in high school and he enjoyed it much more than football or baseball because it is an individual sport and gave him a feeling of accomplishment and personal achievement.
I played with my new camera Saturday, here are some pictures from the tournament.
TCHS wrestles at home on Tuesday at 5:30, we would love for you come and see what wrestling is all about! Have a great week.
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