A lesson for all from high school wrestlers

Daily, our national angst, regardless of our position on any political spectrum, is on full display across all media platforms. Universal community fear, the thought of — Could I be next? We’re obsessed with the continuous analysis of “my views” vs. the “other guys” coupled with chaos, and a general malaise of insecurity.

Well, on a recent evening, I saw a glimmer of hope at a strange venue — a boys’ high school wrestling match.

This is a sport which is predicated on themes of physicality, dominance, and underscores the mantra of “my guy and my team” over yours at all costs. Further, its fans have never been known for their quiet demeanor, reservedness or low engagement. Here is what I witnessed:

An incredibly cultural and racially diverse Glenbard West team wrestled York High School. I saw universal sportsmanship, with clear leadership modeled by the coaching staffs. I saw all athletes on both teams aggressively intent on winning, but clearly representing their schools and their “community” exceedingly well.

I even witnessed competitors helping their defeated opponents off the mat after the match checking, ironically, to see if they were OK. I saw athletes demonstrating their highest regard for the other coaches and even the officials. Diversity matters were simply irrelevant.

Perhaps it is the nature of the sport and how it fosters this mutual regard among these athletes. Whatever the cause, a group of competitors who supported their “own community” without diminishing their opponents’ or the broader wrestling “community.” What a powerful metaphor for our country!

Thank you to these wrestlers and coaches for your leadership in setting the bar so respectfully high and providing some of us with a firsthand glimmer of lessons of maybe what is to come.

Dennis Terdy

Glen Ellyn