Getting a tech for your first win, especially in a match where your team got crushed is a big deal, especially for a new athlete. I wouldn’t call anything about that a participation trophy.
In fact, one of my proudest memories as a HS wrestler was losing by one in a dual meet against our rivals where the coaches asked me to wrestle up two weight classes and my goal was “don’t get teched or pinned.” I lost, but I did my part and the team won (so the inverse of your sitch). I would say that an individual win and team loss or an individual loss but team win are both worth celebrating. That’s one of my favorite things about wrestling is that you can have a good day regardless of who the team is facing or how everyone else does.
Thanks, that means a lot to me :) I’ve definitely always viewed it as a participation trophy of sorts, but you’re right; my team was absolutely over the moon for me.
I always liked wrestling for the same reason, it’s an individual sport with camaraderie. Two chances to feel like a winner! Did it for 6 years, was a good time.
Getting a tech for your first win, especially in a match where your team got crushed is a big deal, especially for a new athlete. I wouldn’t call anything about that a participation trophy.
In fact, one of my proudest memories as a HS wrestler was losing by one in a dual meet against our rivals where the coaches asked me to wrestle up two weight classes and my goal was “don’t get teched or pinned.” I lost, but I did my part and the team won (so the inverse of your sitch). I would say that an individual win and team loss or an individual loss but team win are both worth celebrating. That’s one of my favorite things about wrestling is that you can have a good day regardless of who the team is facing or how everyone else does.
Thanks, that means a lot to me :) I’ve definitely always viewed it as a participation trophy of sorts, but you’re right; my team was absolutely over the moon for me.
I always liked wrestling for the same reason, it’s an individual sport with camaraderie. Two chances to feel like a winner! Did it for 6 years, was a good time.