The Cage Training Center

*Record scratch* This is me. You’re probably wondering how I got here. This photo is from 2005. I was a junior in high school, and I had just experienced the b...iggest loss of my career up until that point. Check out my face. Devastation. I wrestled at 125 pounds, and that year I made an improbable run to the New Jersey state finals. Just three seconds before this image was captured, I was on the brink of pulling off the impossible and becoming only the second state champion in my school’s history. I was so close to every sixteen year old athlete’s dream name in the newspaper, a fresh varsity jacket, and bragging rights in the school hallway on Monday. But a lot can happen in 3 seconds. My opponent escaped in our second overtime period, scoring the match winning point, and then, this picture was taken. Shortly after, I crumbled to the floor in tears. My coach had to come pick me up off the mat. It hurt, but eventually the pain eases and is replaced with a burning desire to try again. At the state tournament the following year, that overtime loss fueled me, and after four long years, I finally became a state champion as a senior. And I never looked back. I won a single state championship in high school and 15 years later, I’ve won more world titles than state titles. Being great in this sport resembles a marathon, not a sprint. I was never a highly ranked youth wrestler. I never wrestled at Fargo and I had only ONE scholarship offer. Yet here I am. You want the truth? Here it is: when you’re young, winning isn’t as important as developing strong principals and good habits. Those are the tools that render longevity, not just victory. All losses should be taken as lessons. Let them settle down deep in your core. You’ll need ‘em. Because while our records don’t define us, they can propel us. Sometimes our best work comes after defeat, as long as you remain coachable and enthusiastic. Who knows what YOUR next 15 years will look like. PS. The guy that I lost to, that’s Frank Molinaro. Years later we became Olympic teammates, and are still good friends. Very different paths, but life has come full circle. Thanks for the lessons! -JB

Reminder Super Bowl Sunday practice is 3:00-4:30

Please say a prayer for one of our young wrestlers Zayden Mabey who is in the hospital.

For Super Bowl Sunday we will practice early. 3:00-4:30.

Change of practice schedule this weekend. Saturday 11:30-1:00 Sunday 4:00-5:30 drop ins welcome

Girls Practice tonight with coach Wagner 6:15-7:45

Reminder girls practice Thursday 6:15-7:45. Open to all $10

A Middle School team is looking for the following weights for the Winter Classic at Spooky Nook 80,84,106, 140, 147, 175. Contact Shawn Anderson 717.968.5515

-Schedule this week Tuesday 1/5 6:15-7:45 Thursday girls 1/7 6:15-7:45 Sunday 1/10 4:00-5:30 Drop ins welcome