This is a tough one. I have a daughter who was a 4 year letter winner in college and understands competition. As a father, I want her to have every opportunity available to men. I also have a son that wrestles and we all love the sport. I understand as a pastor the issues that come up related to the male, female, touchy, feely issues. As a coach and former, (still struggling) athlete, I understand the horror of things like title IX. With all of that said, I also believe that female wrestling may be the salvation or at very least, major help of our sport. It helps bring attention to the sport and may be the very thing that gets colleges to start new wrestling programs. It could be in some ways like women’s soccer, a way to bring a new light, recognition, and respect to the sport. While there are limitations due to the physical make up between male and female athletes, I am reminded by Coach John Wooden’s comments that women’s basketball is played in the most pure form of anyone who plays the game. Many women overcome barriers, and thus excel at the technical side of wrestling and sports. While they may not be able to match up in strength with an equally weighted male, they may very well have technical skills that are superior and thus make for a great match and in many cases, a victory against a male athlete. Coach Ed and the women he assists have probably done more to help our sport than any of us may realize, so for that, I would say thanks. I used to tell my son that if he lost to a girl he would have to kiss her, being 14 now that approach does not work. However, I hope he does not see sex on the mat, hopefully, sees an opponent and he does his best to defeat them, within the rules of course. I know this does not resolve the Girl vs. Guy thing, but I remember a time when women did not do many things they do now and frankly, I think they have done quite well. One last note, Prant, I have never met you but I really enjoy your posts, I would hope that you would know though if you have a daughter, or even a chance of that. Hope you don’t need a refresher course on the sex ed thing.
