The essence of winning

The 21st finished strong for the Winn bunch. Looking around a rather empty gym in Coalville Saturday afternoon, excitement was in the air. Only a few matches were left to determine the Utah Folk style Championships. The day started early, Shad was wrestling the Intermediate class 70 pounds. Shad's day started with Tremonton, a three round match with a pin in our favor. The next two matches were good, an 18 second pin, and a second round pin.
An opponent from North Summit was the next hook up. Previously Tanner had beat Shad earlier in the year. Shad came out with win and pin on his mind. In the first round, Tanner was tapping out, Shad had him in the scissors, on his back with arms posted. The ref actually stopped the match because the opponent was crying so much. His coach sent him back on the mat. To much dismay N.Summit lost in the end by 3. Shad worked his tail off, it was a great match.
Payson was next, this was a kid we had beat a year ago at the bee-hive brawl. Shad started out strong, and in the second round, Payson had us tapping out. We hyperventilated and lost our air. The third round was like a tornado of hell, wind and fire. Shad shot and took him down, then ran the legs to a scissor position, time ran out and we won by one point, still with tears in our eyes.
We now were in the championship round with an opponent we lost to at freestyle state last year. He also wrestles for the champions club in springville. Shad and Micheal are friends, but it was all business on the mat. They locked up, Shad sprung a fast shot and ended up short. Micheal caught us in a head lock, we bridged but couldn't get away.
At the end of the day it was great to look at the video and have Shad analyze how to win against Micheal the next trip. Casy and I are so proud of Shad he wrestled with great enthusiasm, and skill. He only lost his cool once, we are working on that, he has to much Wendy Winn in him. Shad finished second out of 14 boys yesterday, most definitely an improvement from the year before. He is such a hard worker and so goal motivated. It's his goal to be a 4 time state champion in high school which only 18 boys in the state of Utah hold.
Discipline is hard for most, but determination, guts, skill and a sense of finishing will prevail in the end. Here's to Shads goals and dreams, I'm ready for those long bench sitter days to see someone passionate succeed!!!!