WRESTLERS are the strongest, fastest and smartest athletes in the world. But that's not what makes them unique. They are the MOST dedicated people in the world. They sacrifice their lives to a sport of fighting. Where practice is 3 hours of lifting and throwing and conditioning - 3 hours of a literal street brawl. They give up their social lives. And still have to maintain good grades.

They can’t go out and party because making weight on Saturday won't allow it. They can’t go smoke after school because they worked too hard to get into shape. They have no time out on the mat with them to help get past an opponent. There are no half-time intermissions. They stand on a mat with all eyes on them, alone, no one to fall back on when they make a mistake, no safety to make the tackle, and no goalie to make a diving save. They are the leanest meanest and toughest in the world. Ladies want them; men want to be just like them.

So this is a tribute to all those who sacrifice everything, their free time, their food, and most importantly their life. Why would someone work so hard, until they are puking in practice, sweating in their shorts and t’s or skipping that great party? Or why would they induce the blood sweat and tears? Or the early morning runs, or mid-day workouts or the extra run after practice to lose that last pound to make weight.

The road in wrestling always ends in tears. The man that takes second cries because his dreams are over, and the man that wins it all cries more than anybody because finally everything that they have afore mentioned is finally worthwhile. Wrestlers will wrestle through anything because they are wrestlers. And greatness walks right with the word wrestler.

I salute all who commit their life to something greater, something bigger than themselves. Wrestlers don’t wrestle because they like it, you would be crazy to like to beat yourself up on a daily basis, and get beaten up by teammates and opponents just as much. Yet there are the few who love it. They do it because they were born to. These select people I applaud. There is no future in wrestling, no pro league, no million dollar contract, just a smelly practice room and a dream to be great. Wrestling is not a sport - it’s a lifestyle!