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It's sports season. Ha! Who am I kidding, it is always sports season. We simply change the gear, or the shape of the ball being used depending on what month appears on the calendar. However, this time of year is special for so many of our young athletes. As the winter sport season comes to an end, teams and individuals head off to compete at "state".
I will be heading to Madison tomorrow to watch the State Individual Wrestling Tournament. I look forward to spending time with my son and watching some amazing wrestlers fight for a spot at the top. But what I value most from sports, more than the drive to be #1, is the grit that these kids are developing. The depth of character being instilled in young athletes is earned by learning how to fail.
No one is a champion all the time. This is true in sports and in life, but being involved in organized sports is a sure way to learn that life is not fair, and it doesn't always go as planned. Too many factors that are outside of an athlete's control play a part in determining outcomes. Injuries, illness, bad days, referees or meeting a better opponent all become part of the wins and losses. And that is where grit shows up.
You need big muscles but an even bigger heart to make your mark. Google will tell you it is a combination of passion and perseverance that helps people achieve their goals. But I am confident these young men and women headed to their state tournaments and competitions, would tell you the exact same thing.
#LetsGoLangdon
Kate Abbe
The Elkhorn Chamber
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