Coach Williams talks to the team about how individual actions and attitudes influence the team on and off the mat.
Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NASB®) #ironSharpensIron
This is an old proverb.
One piece of iron, rubbed in an appropriate way on another piece of iron, will sharpen the iron. For example, take a steel file and guide it across the bit of an axe the correct way and the axe becomes sharp. The cutting edge of the axe is improved when sharpened. The physical effort required to use the axe is directly related to how sharp it is. The quantity and quality of the work done with this tool is also directly influenced by how sharp the tool is.
It is quite a different matter when the axe becomes dull. The work is much more arduous. The effect of a dull bit on wood is minimal and unproductive. No matter how experienced, how skilled, or how strong one is, using a dull tool is frustrating, exhausting, and even dangerous.
The intended purpose of the file is its’ good influence on the edge of the axe. The file should sharpen the axe. Drawing the file across the edge of the axe must be done in a way that is appropriate, because the axe may be dulled just as quickly as it is sharpened if the file is used in the wrong way.
Just as one piece of iron can influence another piece of iron into a better state, one person can and will influence another person. You and I influence each other. The proper way that I should influence you is for your betterment. I should, by my influence, sharpen you.
In the same way you and your teammates influence each other. Your influence should sharpen your teammates. You and your drilling partner should sharpen each other. Your actions and intentions should be to make your teammates smarter, stronger, and more skillful.
Here are some ways to do this.
Be a good partner. When drilling, let your partner practice the techniques. Provide the appropriate pressure or resistance during the drill. Don't resist to the point where your partner can't complete the drill. On the other hand, don't be a damp rag either. If you just fall down when your partner touches you, he won't be able to learn the technique. The things that you expect your partner to do for you, do those things for him.
Work ethic. Work hard during practice. Try to be as efficient as possible. When drilling, help each other back up to your feet. Be ready for the next cycle of the drill. Get back into position quickly. Encourage each other and try to complete as many quality drills in the allotted time. When the strength and conditioning part of practice comes, do good push-ups. Do good jump squats. Do good mat-drills. Give your best effort and try to improve at each practice.
Be disciplined. Keep the goofing around to a minimum during the drilling and live #wrestling time. We will have a game or some sort of fun at every practice. You are here to have fun and to learn. Work when it's time to work and play when it's time to play.
Be respectful and show good sportsmanship. This one speaks for itself.
Everything that you do has an influence on others. Your actions and attitudes effect you, but they effect others as well. When you do good, you will influence others to do good. When your actions sharpen those around you, that is good. How you influence your teammates and classmates is up to you. Choose to be a person who sharpens others by being a good influence. Be an agent for good things. Be what you are meant to be. Be iron that sharpens iron.
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