Sunday, January 18, 2009

High School Wrestling...Inspired

Yesterday was a first for me and the boys. This year Elliot is the high school wrestling coaching at Bryant and it is the FIRST year for Bryant to have wrestling. Elliot went into this knowing very little about wrestling and as did the boys. For me, growing up in Iowa wrestling was a big deal so I know a little bit and have seen wrestling meets before. Well, yesterday after Caleb's basketball game in Bryant we went to Cabot to watch the boys wrestle in a big meet with 1o other schools participating. We did get there late but I would have never thought going to this event I would be so moved to tears.
After watching our boys and getting down on the mat to take pictures of the boys in action and yelling"hold em and pin em," the next moment was amazing. The announcer called the next boys to the mat and while announcing who was next he stated, " on mat #1 will be (do not remember the boy's name) from Arkansas School for the Blind vs. ?????. And, as he said this a coach and wrestler hand in hand guided this child out to the mat where the ref grabbed his hand and helped him put his color on. At this point I was just still and watched in amazement. Yet to my knowledge it was only going to get better. I sat there in awe as this 100% blind boy wrestled for over 15 minutes-that is pretty long in wrestling...oh, and I forgot to tell you he is wrestling a boy from Cabot no disabilities at all. This amazing boy from ASB ended up pinning the boy from Cabot after 20 minutes. When the ref slapped the mat to confirm the pin-tears came pouring from my eyes in joy and love for this child. This event will continue to hold a place in my heart and was an amazing lesson to tell Caleb as he sat there and watched also. I know I have continue to ramble about this but as I went to bed last night I could only thank God for allowing me to witness the moving event and for allowing me to teach my children that nothing will hold you back unless you let it. God is amazing and wonderful in all of his love. Oh, and of course as a coaches wife," Go, ASB !"
Bryant Hornets
Boys you did an amazing job also yesterday! 5th place out of 10 schools all who have wrestled in the past! Go Hornets! And congrats to the young men who came home with medals! 3 in 2nd place and 2 in 3rd place!

The First

I have been debating this whole blog thing for some time now, but I have decided to jump in with both feet.

Our family has been extremely busy this year and we have just found out next year will get busier. Elliot is coaching in Bryant and has been promoted to offensive coordinator at the junior high along with the head coach for wrestling at the high school. We have been so thankful for God's blessings on this path for Elliot. Next year he will also be the assistant coach for the softball team. And as many of you know this shall be an experience to keep documented. hahah!

The little men: Caleb and Cannon Ty
Caleb is an amazment to us everyday. He is such a joy and light to us. He just turned seven years old in December and is in the first grade at Springhill Elementary. It has been a difficult year with the changes from Rector to Bryant and to say a teacher that is well.... does not need to be teaching first graders. Caleb has been obvious to many of the problems but he has enjoyed his new friends. Caleb is playing Upward Basketball and loves it! He is such a quick little dude out there. Each game they are awarded stars and after three games he has recieved; best offensive player, best shooter, best all round athlete. He is definatley taking after his daddy in athletics. The thing that has amazed me is how much he grown since the season has started and as a seven year old how he passes the ball to kids who have never made a shot and how he gives them high fives and you can tell he is a coaches kid because of slapping on the rear end. We are so blessed with him everyday.

Oh, my and our Cannon Ty.
We have really reaped the benefit of a second child. Cannon is a wild happy little man. He thinks he is as big as Caleb and he love to attack the playstation. I can not believe he is already 9 months old and 25lbs. He is definately our football player-we already have him positioned as a linemen.

Well, I will be back soon... Cannon is ready to eat.