True champions aren't always found at the top
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I had the opportunity to cover the state wrestling tournament for the Herald the other weekend, and what an experience it was. While I have seen this spectacle unfold in Tacoma many times over the years, experiencing it up close and personal was something completely different.
During the weekend, I watched and photographed hundreds of matches. Of all those I witnessed, a few stand out in my mind.
The first was the 145-pound championship match pitting Othello's Freddie Flores against Rochester's Justin Eastman. Flores won in dramatic fashion, pinning Eastman with 33 seconds remaining to come back and win a match that Eastman had all but wrapped up.
As amazing as Flores' victory was, it may have been only the second most remarkable act that took place there on the mat.
During the weekend, I saw all sorts of reactions to losses by these young competitors.
While most wrestlers were respectful of their opponents and the sport, some of the more negative reactions included thrown headgear, skipping of post-match handshakes and other actions not even worth mentioning.
Eastman, after suffering what can only be described as a crushing defeat, did nothing of the sort.
In fact, what Eastman did was collect himself, return to the center of the mat, and join the referree in raising Flores' hand in victory.
This simple yet powerful display of sportsmanship is something we should all recognize and admire.
For those who know the countless hours these athletes dedicate to their craft, it is easy to understand how difficult a loss such as Eastman's is to endure.
For a high school junior to react to this defeat in a respectful manner is a sign of character; for him to react in the unique way Eastman did is a sign of a true champion.
A true champion is one that succeeds not just in sport, but in life. Those who saw the conclusion of the 145-pound championship match in Tacoma saw what a true champion is made of.
Flores certainly deserves admiration for showing everyone what the "never give up" attitude can accomplish. Eastman deserves admiration as well for showing more character than most people twice his age.
Another match that peaked my interest was the 103-pound championship match featuring Moses Lake's Roberto Cruz. For those that do not know, Cruz is only in his second, and unfortunately last, season of high school wrestling.
How did Cruz manage to make his way to the brink of a state championship in two short years? While natural athleticism helped, it was Cruz's work ethic that helped him beat wrestlers with a decade more experience on the mat.
After practices, when most wrestlers were simply recovering from another grueling conditioning session, Cruz continued to work. He worked not just hard, but harder than his competitors. While he ultimately lost his state championship bout in overtime, it was not for a lack of effort or preparation.
While Cruz did not climb to the top of the podium in Tacoma, he is still a champion.
These are the lessons that can be learned not just from wrestling, but from sports in general.
Which brings me to my final thought.
There are many people in our community that are missing out on these lessons. While fan support of our local teams is great, it could be better.
I have yet to cover a local sporting event where there wasn't room for a few more people to come in and enjoy the action. High school sports offer some of the most exciting and affordable entertainment one can find. Every night I see something new; something I may never see again.
I encourage everyone to put down the television remote, get in the car and head over to your local high school at the next opportunity.
These athletes deserve your support for all the hard work they invest in their sport. You deserve to see them perform, excel and display the championship spirit in action.
Tony Vehrs is the sports assistant for the Columbia Basin Herald, and a former state wrestling champ himself.
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