Ask Cael: couple questions

Story Published Friday, November 20th, 2009

name: Josh
question: What are some things that could prepare someone for D1 college wrestling?

Josh, one of the things I love about college wrestling is that the most important thing is your attitude. If you love training hard, are totally committed to being the absolute best you can be, are coachable and eager to learn, you will do well. Student-athletes are leaving home for the first time and are ultimately responsible for themselves for the first time in their lives. With that freedom come choices. You will get what you choose. If you choose to make progress and get the most out of your career both athletically and academically, you will. If you choose to seek other things, you will find it. When student-athletes get to college you find out quickly how much they love the sport. You will do great if you love the process of discipline, hard work, sacrifice, competition, and overcoming challenges. That is what college wrestling is all about.

Wrestlers with great attitudes will quickly close the gap on more talented, less motivated athletes. Wrestlers with great attitudes that haven’t had the same quality instruction and competition will catch up to those that have if they have a better attitude. Attitude determines potential. Obviously talent, attitude, and opportunity (good coaching and training partners) together create the perfect storm.

In addition to having the great attitude (attitude is 100% your choice) there are other ways to prepare. Find the best workout partners you can find. Be coachable. Listen to your coaches. Drill and scrimmage intensely in practice. Seek opportunities to improve. Watch video online. Study the sport. Work hard and enjoy the process!

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name: Tim V

question: Would you ever consider fighting in mixed martial arts (MMA)? Also, Do any MMA fighters consult with you to assist in their wrestling for MMA?

Hi Tim, I get an email or two almost every day with this question. If I wasn’t enjoying the incredible opportunity I have to coach college wrestling, I would certainly consider MMA. My love is wrestling, and that is what I know. But the challenge and competitiveness of MMA is very interesting to me.

My goal is to build a team that wins the NCAA team title. Then after we do win, we’re going to want to do it again and again.

We have MMA fighters asking if they can come and train with our team on occasion. But with NCAA rules that isn’t allowed.

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