Champions find a way

James Kaishian

What’s the difference between someone who is good at something and someone who is great. Talent, choices, work ethic? Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers claims its sheer hours and determination that add up into the culmination of 10,000 hours of practice. Other factors that certainly count are work ethic, motivation, coaching etc. but what is the common denominator between all champions?

Champions find a way.

The unlikely upsets of last years NCAAs ending with Kyle Conel taking 3rd, Freshmen beating returning champs, and Machiavelli shocking the nation with a championship to cap his senior year. Each athlete coming from varying economic, geographic, and academic backgrounds, while having schools with different resources facilities and coaches. The only thing in common with all these wrestlers is they found a way to succeed. At the end of the day when the going gets tough and you feel like you have a set back, find a way to get yourself back on track. When you come down with an injury that holds you out of training, find a way to stay in shape. When you have something going on back home, find a way to stay focused. When the season is in full swing and school work is looming, find a way to get it done. When the lights are on and you feel the pressure, find a way to relax and go hard. The common denominator is not body type nor physical attributes, it’s about mentality. The winning mindset lives in the statement “ I will do whatever it takes to find the strength and courage to get the job done”… because that’s what it takes. CHAMPIONS FIND A WAY.