Column: Trying Something New is a Pin

Photo by: Frank Slavinsky

Neenah-Hortonville Wrestling Meet Jan. 5 2017

I always like to try something new, to try something exciting. So, when I heard that the Neenah and Hortonville wrestling teams would be competing in Pickard Auditorium –a convent of song and dance– it was an opportunity I could not pass up. After presenting my press pass, conferring with Activities Director Mr. Nate Werner if it would be alright that I get as close as possible to the action as possible, and situating my camera, I realized that I did not know one thing about wrestling. I began to ask myself:

How does the scoring work?

What is it that the coaches are shouting?

How do I even begin to write about what is happening?

Photo by: Frank Slavinsky
Neenah and Hortonville Square off before first meet every held in Pickard begins.
Photo by: Frank Slavinsky
A Neenah wrestler begins to flip a Hortonville wrestler onto the mat.

I still do not know the answer to those questions. I left the meet feeling just as confused about wrestling as I did when I walked in. I was sure of one thing, however; I had a fantastic time. Had I not gone, I would not have seen Pickard transformed into a thunderous arena of endurance, strength, and precision. I would not have seen and supported my fellow students. Which is what I encourage each and every student and faculty member to do. Attend a swim meet, a musical, a concert, a lacrosse match– attend something you have never been to. While you might not understand what is happening, or know anyone competing or performing, you might just find something to be exciting that you never thought could be.