We had a similar experience with our son. As a first year wrestler, he placed 1st at District and so was seeded at State. We were brand new to wrestling and had never been to a tournament bigger than District. While the desire to do well was there, our son was overwhelmed with nerves after seeing how huge the Expocentre was and didn't sleep a wink the Friday night before. His lack of sleep showed the next day when he lost to kids he normally might not have lost to. And I was worried that he might lose his confidence and not want to continue wrestling. But, he's now in his 4th year of wrestling, and I'm happy to say that we are headed to our 3rd State tournament. He is better at dealing with the nerves and the skills he didn't have the first trip to State are developing more and more every year. I have seen kids, even MS kids, wrestle for the first time and do very well at State. It is amazing how a kid who works hard and puts in the time can progress and does catch up with those who may know a few more moves now. Good Luck this weekend! If you haven't been to a big tournament yet, you're in for a treat.
