Lessons from the Wrestling Mat and My Father's Teaching

I loved to wrestle. There was something about stepping out on the mat and using all you could to be victorious. I did not like to lose. It was also the only way that I could somewhat follow the Path of my beloved father, who was a long-time University and Professional boxer.

My father always told me, " Son, when you step on that mat you are on your own! It is like Life, we are fully responsible for the outcome. No one to blame. Most of all son, always remember to be a good relative." Still working on that Dakota Sacred Teaching.

Later I coached at Walla Walla Community College, where I had the honor of coaching young Greg Scott. He and his teammates were dynamite. Greg continues to be an inspiration to others in living a strong and healthy life.

Black-and-white photo of a dinner gathering where a young man in a letter jacket stands beside a woman as a seated man holds up a framed picture.

Five young wrestlers in dark Huskies singlets stand in a row on a mat, arms folded in front of them.

A young wrestler in a Huskies singlet and knee pads crouches in a ready stance on a mat.

A young wrestler in a Wa-Hi 147 lbs wrestling shirt and tights crouches in a stance before a brick wall.

Newspaper clipping titled 'Mr. Hustle' with a photo of Phil Lane, Wa-Hi wrestling captain, voted Mr. Hustle by teammates and coaches after a 15-3-1 season.

Group of young wrestlers in team jackets and singlets pose holding small trophies.

Color photo of a referee raising the arm of a wrestler in a Huskies singlet and gold tights in victory before a seated crowd.

Color photo of a wrestler in gold tights controlling an opponent on the mat as spectators watch.

A shirtless young wrestler in white trunks and dark tights crouches in a wide stance in a room beside a door.

Seven Wa-Hi wrestlers in team shirts pose around a large trophy.

Yearbook clipping headed 'Wrestling' showing Phil Lane, 'Mr. Hustle,' standing beside a trophy.

A shirtless young wrestler in dark tights leans forward in a ready stance on a mat.

Black-and-white photo of a wrestler pinning an opponent on the mat during a match.

Team photo captioned 'WWCC Wrestling Team 1970-1971' showing wrestlers in W.W.C.C. singlets with a coach in a dark shirt.

Five young wrestlers in Huskies singlets stand side by side on a mat.

A young man in a dark shirt shakes hands with a man in a suit as they hold a tall trophy together.

A young wrestler in a Wa-Hi 147 lbs wrestling shirt and tights crouches in a stance before a brick wall.

A shirtless young wrestler in dark tights leans forward in a ready stance on a mat.