Our coaches name a No. 1 wrestler at each weight (usually the returning starter). The rest of the guys at that weight are then seeded into a mini-tournament, which is wrestled out and the winner of that bracket wrestles the number one guy in the Black/Red Classic. Therefore, even though I lost in the Classic -- that was only the first match of a best-of-three series. It is basically just like the Olympic Team Trials.
I knew that I had another shot at winning the varsity spot, but I would have to beat Frawley the next two matches. We found out that the next set of matches were going to be held the following Wednesday. The first would be wrestled before practice, and if necessary, the second (or third overall) would be wrestled immediately following practice.
Every wrestler that gets beaten in the Classsic has the option of wrestling the guy who beat him again, so not everyone wrestles, but there were to be four matches. I was the last match since I was the last weight to be re-contested. I watched the other three matches basically end up the same way they did before, and then it was my turn. I was a bit nervous, as always, but knew I could win.
Marshall Marquardt rides Kyle Frawley in a 174-pound match-up at the Black/Red Classic.After the match, I went to the store and got some over-the-counter medicine. The next day we had an all-day camp, so I swooped by the local clinic and got prescribed some real medicine. I felt pretty bad all day, but managed to make it through, showing a little technique along the way. On Monday, nothing was happening and I still was pretty sick. I didn't end up going back to the clinic until Tuesday, where they gave me some different medicine, promising me that it would work this time.
Anyway, by the time the second and third match of the wrestle-off came around, I was still not up to par. It was wearing on me mentally, but I tried to put it in the back of my mind, focusing on the task at hand. I knew that what I was doing and how I was training would pay off. I watched video of the match and did some "problem-solving" with my brother, Jake Marquardt, late Sunday night.
The second match was a success, as I was victorious -- 4-2. I got a takedown with 45 seconds to go in the third period and rode him out to win. I was pleased with the match, but still knew I could do better. I was the only person to wrestle the third match, so I was up right away after practice. It went very well, as I prevailed in the match, 11-5. I know it was only a wrestle-off, but I was so happy to get my hand raised.
It let so much hype and pressure off my back. I felt like a brand new person inside and out. The stress that had been building the last week was instantly gone when my hand was raised after the last match. I felt a new energy and growing confidence I have been missing for a while now. I don't know when exactly I went into hibernation, but I am glad I am finally awake, and on the hunt.
Until next time, keep getting better.
Marshall Marquardt
Past Entries:
Entry 3 (10/26/05)
Entry 2 (10/13/05)
Entry 1 (10/1/05)
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