The
following is an excerpt from an article from the
September 15, 2002 edition of
Wrestling USA Magazine
by Dr.
Bill Welker
"Kids today are so much different
than they were in the past."
I can’t count the number of times I have heard people say the above - friends,
parents, and teachers alike. Well, I say hogwash! Kids aren’t different; it is
how they are reared today that is different. I come from a childhood background
where alibis for unacceptable behavior were not tolerated. Unfortunately, many
of our contemporary youth have been brought up to believe that they live in the
"United States of Excuses."
As a wrestling official, I can easily
tell how a wrestler is being raised by his demeanor during the course of a
match. Common signs for possible poor parenting include a wrestler verbally
questioning my call, showing disrespect for his opponent, or demonstrating an
unwillingness to shake his adversary’s hand after losing. Some may blame the
coaches for such actions. I say, "Get real!" Athletic mentors can only do so
much. Without positive support from the home, they are fighting a 90 degree
uphill battle. A coach’s philosophy is no match for what the athlete is taught
to believe at home.
For example, I am my father’s son;
what he said was the gospel truth to me. Thank goodness, my father taught
honesty, respect for adults, and not making excuses for personal failure.
There is still an abundance of great
kids out there. I see it everyday in the classroom. My advice to these
adolescents is Thank your parents!
Dr. Bill
Welker
