Fessler may have hung up the headgear, but he has not given up his passion for wrestling. In fact, he has found ways to bring together his strong religious faith with his love of the sport as a member of the U.S. Wrestling Federation's Speakers Bureau ... in clinics and presentations to mostly high school wrestlers that bring together instruction and a thoughtful presentation of the connection between faith and wrestling ... and in a series of well-received books that address those same topics.
Fessler continues to share his knowledge and passion for religion AND wrestling with his latest book, "Icon: The Value of Faith and Wrestling" now available from Banyan Press.
The birth of "Icon"
"Icon" is just the latest in a series of books from the mind -- and heart -- of Mike Fessler. Over the past half-decade, Fessler has written "Faith and Wrestling: How the Role of a Wrestler Mirrors the Christian Life" and "They're Just Not Interested: Rediscovering Our Faith and Approaching Non-Believers with the Faith of a Wrestler." About 18 months ago, InterMat interviewed Fessler about his third book "The Wrestler: A Life of Passion and the Pursuit of Greatness" which the author has described as being "today's me talking to my younger self" ... all with the idea of helping today's wrestlers gain more from their careers, including a thoughtful perspective they can put to work while they're still competing.
The just-released "Icon" is Mike Fessler's fourth unique book. (He has also produced an updated second edition of his first title, "Faith and Wrestling.")
When asked by InterMat how "Icon" came about, Fessler replied, "With each book, I felt as if there's more to tell. Over the years, as I have thought more about how the topics of wrestling and faith come together, I find myself sharing those thoughts in my writing."
"In wrestling, I think it's important to compete in such a way that's beyond yourself," Fessler continued. "We as icons can point to God, in, for example, how we treat others."
"It's important to compare the idea of 'idol' vs. 'icon.' An idol attracts and absorbs attention, while an icon is reflective -- a gift to share with others."
"Wrestling, because it's an individual sport -- and a difficult sport -- it's difficult not to think, 'It's not just about you.' In other words, there's more to wrestling than winning championships and gold medals and individual glory."
"One of the underlying messages of 'Icon' is to live as an icon and all that entails," Fessler continued. "Being grateful to compete is more fulfilling for life. In other words, to engage life in a more fulfilling way."
Michael Fessler speaking at Augsburg UniversityFresh ... yet familiar
Readers who have enjoyed Fessler's previous books such as "Faith and Wrestling" will find "Icon" to be somewhat familiar, with a similar format that shares stories and situations from accomplished wrestlers that any mat warrior of any age and skill level can understand and appreciate. Some of these stories are based on the friendships between Fessler and the wrestler ... while others come from Fessler's observations of wrestlers who are fully engaged in both the sport, and with their own unique faith journey.
"In each chapter, there's a parallel theme or idea," Fessler said of his newest book "Icon." "For example, 'What's really important about the sport itself?' or 'How do we grow the sport?'"
"My passion isn't just faith. Nor is it only about wrestling. Everything I do is how to bring the two subjects together in a meaningful way that emphasizes the connections between the two."
Fessler then cited a couple specific examples from "Icon." In his write-up about Vic Avery, NCAA All-American for Edinboro, Fessler addresses these fundamental issues: "What am I wrestling for? My own satisfaction? Or is it something much larger?" In writing about Penn State national champ Nico Megaludis, "it was a message of commitment to wrestling and to faith," according to Fessler.
"'Icon' employs a similar pattern to 'Faith and Wrestling'" Fessler told InterMat. "Unique situations for each individual profiled in the book, with stories that have a universality that speaks to just about any reader."
"We need to get beyond the noise," Fessler continued. "We need to communicate the value of wrestling to others outside the sport, so that they might care about it, and see why it means so much to so many of us."
Michael Fessler speaking in ColoradoEven though there are strong connectional bonds tying all of Mike Fessler's books together, they do not need to be read in any particular order. Each book stands on its own. A reader new to Fessler's titles could start with "Icon" and find it to be both satisfying and thought-provoking.
"Over the years in my writing [books, as well as a blog for MissouriWrestler.com], I've done a lot of thinking about the issues of faith and wrestling," said Fessler. "I'm still thinking about all this. I know there's more to discover."
"The overall faith-and-wrestling message is very important to the individuals of faith who participate in the sport."
That idea is borne out by the comments of individuals who are iconic figures within wrestling.
Joe Russell, manager of freestyle programs at USA Wrestling, said, "I really enjoyed 'Icon.' I especially loved the stories of wrestlers and how they relate wrestling to the Christian faith. It is amazing how wrestling and Christian principles intertwine. By telling stories about wrestling, Michael Fessler makes it easier to grasp what it means to be God's icon."
Award-winning author of "The Sparrow's Spirit: A Champion Wrestler's Lifetime Reflections on Prayer and Perseverance" Dr. Bill Welker said, "Michael Fessler has done it again. Faith is such a personal, spiritual epiphany that one comes to deeply accept. Wrestling is also a deeply personal activity that mirrors the life of faith. Fessler's message is something in which all readers will definitely want to reevaluate their life's struggles and relation to God."
To order "Icon: The Value of Faith and Wrestling" visit Amazon.com. Teams may wish to take advantage of quantity discounts. In addition, teams may want to consider having author Michael Fessler for a unique speaking engagement which can include an instructional session followed by conversation about how the subjects of faith and wrestling come together. Reach the author at mrfess@hotmail.com.
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