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    Kim Blum •

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    Rev Blog Entry 7: Kim Blum, UW-La Crosse

    Wrestling is "icky." Yep … I used to be one of THOSE people … those who can't appreciate wrestling for the true form of sport that it is … you might consider those people the "uninformed." A few things altered my perception about wrestling quite some time ago … one of my little brothers joined up -- then the other little brother -- then the first brother won a state high school title -- then I married a wrestler. Now I am being told that I am raising two wrestlers (three if my husband gets his say regarding our daughter). Needless to say, the sport has grown on me. As for my expertise on the sport, I can explain scoring somewhat reasonably, I can keep riding time with a certain amount of proficiency, and recently I have mastered the complicated procedures pertaining to NCAA Weight Certification protocol. All of these things are making me believe that I am no longer one of THOSE people anymore. This, along with my job, hopefully provides me a bit of licensure to comment on our UWL wrestling team.

    My chosen profession is athletics … and I enjoy all types of sports. I'm the associate athletic director at UW-La Crosse. I'm not supposed to have favorites, but a special fondness for the UW-L wrestling program exists in my household … my husband is an alumnus of UWL. He is proud to have been a part of the program and he's pleased with the strides the team has made since "his time." Now I'm proud to be associated with the program even if it is just from the fringes. Many people see the success that the team has in competitions. What I see extends beyond the edge of the mat. I see student-athletes who work extremely hard to be the best individuals they can be in all aspects of their lives. I see student-athletes who participate in class and strive to achieve good grades. I see student-athletes who attend many other athletic events in support of all of our teams here on campus. I see these guys set up and take down their own mats for competition, and then go even further by helping the facility staff put away tables and chairs without even being asked. These guys are good wrestlers, yes -- the rankings suggest as much -- but it goes beyond that … they are good people.

    Kim Blum hails from the same hometown (Tomahawk, Wisconsin) as UW-La Crosse wrestler Josh Chelf.
    By no means do I wish to suggest that I understand what it is like to be a wrestler. I really don't enjoy the technique my husband tries to demonstrate on me … he says I'd never make it as a wrestler and I have to agree. Sometimes I tune out when he starts talking about gramby roll this, arm bar that. I've never put on headgear (because that would mess up my hair). I will say I've tried a few diets that might give me some insight into what it's like to cut weight … but I hardly think that counts. Regardless, I do comprehend and appreciate the tremendous efforts our UW-L wrestlers are devoting day after day, hour after hour. They push themselves to the limit, and in the realm of wrestling, it is almost incomprehensible for me to know what that really means. It is no small feat to be a collegiate student-athlete in any sport, and with wrestling, the moral fiber that is necessary is compounded by what is physically and mentally required. I am unable to attend their practices. The only meets I am usually able to attend are the home ones. But whether they realize it or not, I know most of them by name, some of them from class, and one of them is even from my hometown. Quite honestly, they all impress me.

    The team has persevered through some hard times and their will is very admirable. They go on competing without complaint. They remain steadfast in their loyalty to the program. These are just some of the many qualities that suggest this team is destined for greatness. I'm impressed by the wins and pins but I'm equally impressed with the team's response to the losses and setbacks. Wrestlers at any level demonstrate the qualities I've mentioned, but when you examine the accolades that this team has earned, you can only assume these gentlemen have just a bit more resolve, spirit, and "chutzpah" to set them apart. I really am in awe of the tenacity these UW-L wrestlers possess. The tremendous sacrifices made by the team are not easily understood by those not given a glimpse into the world of wrestling. I feel grateful for having been given that glimpse. Good Luck in the rest of the season fellas!

    Kim Blum

    Past UW-La Crosse Entries:

    Entry 6 (12/19/05)
    Entry 5 (12/1/05)
    Entry 4 (11/16/05)
    Entry 3 (11/3/05)
    Entry 2 (10/19/05)
    Entry 1 (10/10/05)
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