My time with the Mount Miguel Matadors has come to an end. Since making the decision of leaving for Ohio, I knew I was going to give up a lot of things I enjoy. Coaching at Mt. Miguel probably tops the list.
For those who have seen me these last couple of days, especially Saturday night after Masters, know how bummed out I am about this.
We hoped to possibly qualify four kids to the state meet but came up short. Our 126 kid really took 5th but was DQed on a bad call which resulted in a 6th place finish. Our 220 kid just missed the medal rounds. Our HW took 4th, just missing out on 3rd and state.
What stood out to me this weekend was our 138 wrestler, a senior and the coach's son. He underachieved all season. It didn't help that he didn't wrestle last year but everyone had high hopes for him. In my opinion, he loves the sport of wrestling, but he lacked that fire for it. However, he always worked hard in the room and was a great team captain. He did it right all year long. And when people see him wrestle they are always in awe of his ability.
While wrestling to stay alive in Masters (had he been on the other side of the bracket he would have more than likely made it to the finals), he was dominating a kid and made one mistake that lead to him getting pinned - which happened to him all season - thus ending his wrestling career. He laid on the mat for a few seconds realizing it was over for him, got up, shook the kids hands, shook the opposing coach's hand and made his way toward Vic and I. Vic told him to keep his head up and that we were going to go outside to the back. On the way there, a ref in charge of keeping the middle of the mats clear walked up beside him and gave him a hug, letting him know he had a great season. Once outside, his emotions got the better of him as he sat in a corner letting it all out.
I could tell Vic was upset and disappointed, but especially sad that his son had to lose the way he did and that he wouldn't get to see him wrestle anymore. I was very sad for him. I hate hate hate seeing our kids lose.
I love sports. But individual sports like wrestling, boxing or MMA have a different feel to them, whether you're in it, coaching or a spectator. There is nothing like it. For anyone who's witnessed any live know the emotions are unlike any other. The highs are great but the lows hurt....a lot.
When he lost, despite still having other guys in the tourney, it hit me that my time with the Matadors was coming to an end. The emotion he showed let me know that his time as a Matador wrestler was over, and I definitely related to it.
My friends told me I should look into coaching out in Ohio. I plan on that but the attachment I have to this program is going to be tough to match. I highly doubt I'll ever have a wrestling lineup of Mexicans, Blacks, Samoans and one and a half white guys out in Ohio (yay for diversity!). I was fortunate enough to help Vic start this program from scratch and see our kids take tremendous steps in just two seasons.
I'm going to miss my team, my fellow coaching staff, refs (not all of them.....some don't have a clue what they're doing out there), coaches and wrestlers from other schools, the whole routine of wrestling season.
It had me exhausted every weekend but it was worth it.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
We Could All Learn from ManMeat
I am currently in position to witness what not many ever get the chance to: a fairytale. Not just any fairytale, but one of the blossoming love between ManMeat and Uncertain.
Who are these individuals? One is a free-spirited soul who enjoys wearing sunglasses at night while driving, and the other is someone who doesn't know what they want, or in other words, a typical female.
Just recently, ManMeat confessed his love to Uncertain with a little help from his good friend liquor. But, like every fairytale, there is a twist to this love story. ManMeat is planning to move out of state in the coming weeks. Only one thing will keep him here and that's Undecided.
Unfortunately for ManMeat, two things are keeping him from making babies with his dream girl - she's not a fan of his past and her doubts and possible guilt she'll have if it doesn't work out. You can't blame her for thinking this way. She does have a Y chromosome that makes her and many like her think nonsense.
My advice to Uncertain would be to take a chance. Everyone has a past. You can't hold that against him. And if he thinks you're worth staying for, that should show you how he feels about you.
I'm trying to find the negatives that would come out of this and I can't come up with one. Reason being is because life is about taking chances. Where would this world be without Steve Jobs, Nicy D or the McRib (I hear it's good but I don't know)? Both would be taking a chance at being happy. As the great Ali once said, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." If it doesn't work out, at least they can walk away knowing they went for it.
I want it to work out because I already called dibs on Godfather. It doesn't matter if it's for baby ManBo or baby BoMeat. I'll be honored with either one.
I should warn them about possibly choosing Cochina as Godmother. I don't think they realize she likes to dress up like a pirate while making love in the club. I digress....
Anyway, the clock is ticking. ManMeat leaves in a few weeks and the status of this relationship remains unclear. Will something come to fruition? Will Uncertain realize she can't live without ManMeat and chase him down at the airport, stopping him right when he's about to board his flight and kiss him to a standing ovation from all the travellers at the terminal? Or will this fairytale not have an ending any time soon?
It all remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, ManMeat is living his life the right way.
Move over McRib, there is some new Meat in town....for a few more weeks at least.
Who are these individuals? One is a free-spirited soul who enjoys wearing sunglasses at night while driving, and the other is someone who doesn't know what they want, or in other words, a typical female.
Just recently, ManMeat confessed his love to Uncertain with a little help from his good friend liquor. But, like every fairytale, there is a twist to this love story. ManMeat is planning to move out of state in the coming weeks. Only one thing will keep him here and that's Undecided.
Unfortunately for ManMeat, two things are keeping him from making babies with his dream girl - she's not a fan of his past and her doubts and possible guilt she'll have if it doesn't work out. You can't blame her for thinking this way. She does have a Y chromosome that makes her and many like her think nonsense.
My advice to Uncertain would be to take a chance. Everyone has a past. You can't hold that against him. And if he thinks you're worth staying for, that should show you how he feels about you.
I'm trying to find the negatives that would come out of this and I can't come up with one. Reason being is because life is about taking chances. Where would this world be without Steve Jobs, Nicy D or the McRib (I hear it's good but I don't know)? Both would be taking a chance at being happy. As the great Ali once said, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." If it doesn't work out, at least they can walk away knowing they went for it.
I want it to work out because I already called dibs on Godfather. It doesn't matter if it's for baby ManBo or baby BoMeat. I'll be honored with either one.
I should warn them about possibly choosing Cochina as Godmother. I don't think they realize she likes to dress up like a pirate while making love in the club. I digress....
Anyway, the clock is ticking. ManMeat leaves in a few weeks and the status of this relationship remains unclear. Will something come to fruition? Will Uncertain realize she can't live without ManMeat and chase him down at the airport, stopping him right when he's about to board his flight and kiss him to a standing ovation from all the travellers at the terminal? Or will this fairytale not have an ending any time soon?
It all remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, ManMeat is living his life the right way.
Move over McRib, there is some new Meat in town....for a few more weeks at least.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Looking Back Before Looking Forward
Finally, a new blog. My apologies for the lag.
I guess you can say a lot has happened since my last entry. I'm still an adult unfortunately.
Despite being a month into 2010, I figured I'll look back at the year that was 2009.
2009 was very interesting for me. This time last year, I was chilling in New York (on a couch because my genius top-5 law school sister poked a hole in the air mattress) preparing to go back to Ohio State with the hopes of getting a Resident Adviser position. I was lucky enough to get it.
Summer time was good. Aside from bumming it out, I tried to make the most of it. Made new friends, had a few too many last hurrahs, not enough pow-wows, and got a baby...Bonifacio of course. He's mi bebe.
Started my final year at OSU. Being an RA is a great experience. Winter break was great. Spent time with those most important. Unfortunately had to work more than I would have wanted but that's life, right?
2010
It's February and I am about seven months away from having a college degree in journalism. Seems crazy to even think that, especially since I wasn't even in school last year.
I'm really enjoying winter quarter. I'm enrolled in a news editing/writing class and magazine writing course. It is not an easy transition to go from regular writing to these two different styles. I'm still having a hard time. However, I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Writing a story is great, but the journey you have to go through in order to put them together is what I love most about journalism. Everyone has a story. And every now and then, you'll stumble onto a good one. I was fortunate enough to do a story on a fellow Spring Valley native and learn about his life and goals. It's been a great experience and I look forward to having more of these for years to come.
Goals for this year? Same as usual - do well in school, maximize my time because time waits for no one, and find a job after graduation. I'm also hoping to continue to surround myself with good people.
I don't think I'm hoping for too much. If anything, this last year has taught me that time is moving and I need to be right there with it. I'm already 23....entering the big boy stages of life. I need to do what I can now before it's too late.
I guess you can say a lot has happened since my last entry. I'm still an adult unfortunately.
Despite being a month into 2010, I figured I'll look back at the year that was 2009.
2009 was very interesting for me. This time last year, I was chilling in New York (on a couch because my genius top-5 law school sister poked a hole in the air mattress) preparing to go back to Ohio State with the hopes of getting a Resident Adviser position. I was lucky enough to get it.
Summer time was good. Aside from bumming it out, I tried to make the most of it. Made new friends, had a few too many last hurrahs, not enough pow-wows, and got a baby...Bonifacio of course. He's mi bebe.
Started my final year at OSU. Being an RA is a great experience. Winter break was great. Spent time with those most important. Unfortunately had to work more than I would have wanted but that's life, right?
2010
It's February and I am about seven months away from having a college degree in journalism. Seems crazy to even think that, especially since I wasn't even in school last year.
I'm really enjoying winter quarter. I'm enrolled in a news editing/writing class and magazine writing course. It is not an easy transition to go from regular writing to these two different styles. I'm still having a hard time. However, I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Writing a story is great, but the journey you have to go through in order to put them together is what I love most about journalism. Everyone has a story. And every now and then, you'll stumble onto a good one. I was fortunate enough to do a story on a fellow Spring Valley native and learn about his life and goals. It's been a great experience and I look forward to having more of these for years to come.
Goals for this year? Same as usual - do well in school, maximize my time because time waits for no one, and find a job after graduation. I'm also hoping to continue to surround myself with good people.
I don't think I'm hoping for too much. If anything, this last year has taught me that time is moving and I need to be right there with it. I'm already 23....entering the big boy stages of life. I need to do what I can now before it's too late.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
As Kids We Used to Laugh, Who Knew that LIfe Would Move this Fast?
Question for anyone: When did you grow up?
I'm not talking about the decade you grew up in or the first time you got paid from your first job. I'm talking about when you first realized you had left behind your days as a youth and were now considered an adult in everyone's eyes.
I have come to learn that life is a non-stop process of learning filled with perseverance. From the day we're born, responsibilities are placed on us in order to allow us to keep up in this world. We begin growing the first day of our lives and never stop. However, realizing you've entered that area of "responsible adult" is a surprising and unexpected realization.
I remember feeling all grown up whenever I was working during my year off from school a few years back. I remembering feeling like a responsible young adult when I left for Ohio State....I mean THE Ohio State. But did I feel like an adult? Not at all.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to go bowl with a friend where I would also help her watch over her baby brother and his friends. It was supposed to be a total of four or five of us, but much to our unfortunate surprise, we had to watch over a total of five or six 12 year olds for about two hours. It was our duty to make sure these kids didn't leave our sight and to answer either yes or no when asked if they were allowed to use the restroom or grab snacks.
After bowling, while eating, I realized what I was. Was I? Already? After going back and forth with this thinking, I hesitantly accepted the reality of what I was......an adult.
Was it really that long ago that my friends and I looked forward to going to that same bowling alley with the hopes of breaking 100, play lazer tag, and hit up the arcade? Was it really that long ago? I found myself not caring about breaking 100 (I like to aim at a 140), nor about playing in the arcade. All I was worried about is making sure the kids were ok.
I brought this up to a group of friends a few days later, and sure enough, one of them had a recent panic about growing up. He explained to me how this upcoming decade will be the 10 years that will determine our lives. Most of us are going to graduate from college, have a career, find our significant other, and have kids by the time the year 2020 arrives. That got me thinking of what the future holds for myself, my family, friends, and the world in general. How will our lives be like 10 years from now? Now that I'm an adult, what steps do I have to take in order to make sure I'll be ok by the time 2020 comes around.
So, I stand/type before you as an adult. Someone who is responsible enough to look over kids, as someone who is expected to make the right choices, and as someone on the brink of attaining that "old man strength." This should be interesting.
I'm not talking about the decade you grew up in or the first time you got paid from your first job. I'm talking about when you first realized you had left behind your days as a youth and were now considered an adult in everyone's eyes.
I have come to learn that life is a non-stop process of learning filled with perseverance. From the day we're born, responsibilities are placed on us in order to allow us to keep up in this world. We begin growing the first day of our lives and never stop. However, realizing you've entered that area of "responsible adult" is a surprising and unexpected realization.
I remember feeling all grown up whenever I was working during my year off from school a few years back. I remembering feeling like a responsible young adult when I left for Ohio State....I mean THE Ohio State. But did I feel like an adult? Not at all.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to go bowl with a friend where I would also help her watch over her baby brother and his friends. It was supposed to be a total of four or five of us, but much to our unfortunate surprise, we had to watch over a total of five or six 12 year olds for about two hours. It was our duty to make sure these kids didn't leave our sight and to answer either yes or no when asked if they were allowed to use the restroom or grab snacks.
After bowling, while eating, I realized what I was. Was I? Already? After going back and forth with this thinking, I hesitantly accepted the reality of what I was......an adult.
Was it really that long ago that my friends and I looked forward to going to that same bowling alley with the hopes of breaking 100, play lazer tag, and hit up the arcade? Was it really that long ago? I found myself not caring about breaking 100 (I like to aim at a 140), nor about playing in the arcade. All I was worried about is making sure the kids were ok.
I brought this up to a group of friends a few days later, and sure enough, one of them had a recent panic about growing up. He explained to me how this upcoming decade will be the 10 years that will determine our lives. Most of us are going to graduate from college, have a career, find our significant other, and have kids by the time the year 2020 arrives. That got me thinking of what the future holds for myself, my family, friends, and the world in general. How will our lives be like 10 years from now? Now that I'm an adult, what steps do I have to take in order to make sure I'll be ok by the time 2020 comes around.
So, I stand/type before you as an adult. Someone who is responsible enough to look over kids, as someone who is expected to make the right choices, and as someone on the brink of attaining that "old man strength." This should be interesting.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Confusing Species
I received a request to inform the world about the differences between men and women.
Men:
Simple people.
Women:
Instead of pointing out how females are, I would rather use an example that I feel best describes them.
A female will order buffalo wings because she reads they are only 300 calories, but changes her mind at the last minute and orders chicken strips with fries on the side, asks for ranch and honey mustard, and rejects the hot sauce for wings, yet she is happy when she does receive hot sauce because that is what she originally wanted, and regrets eating the strips instead of the wings that only had 300 calories.
Moral of the story: Females don't know what they want.
Men:
Simple people.
Women:
Instead of pointing out how females are, I would rather use an example that I feel best describes them.
A female will order buffalo wings because she reads they are only 300 calories, but changes her mind at the last minute and orders chicken strips with fries on the side, asks for ranch and honey mustard, and rejects the hot sauce for wings, yet she is happy when she does receive hot sauce because that is what she originally wanted, and regrets eating the strips instead of the wings that only had 300 calories.
Moral of the story: Females don't know what they want.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Is That What That Pirate Costume Was For?
This weekend was probably one of the most entertaining since coming back home for the summer. Friday I had dinner with friends where I got rocked by Ceciah....she can be a punk at times. Saturday was chill as well that consisted of a late late late night dinner with Cec and Lawen, and Sunday was more of the same except with an earlier dinner.
Dinner on Sunday was, as my amigos like to label it, a "pow-wow," where we talk about anything and everything, including subjects we do not normally talk about. I had the priviledge of sharing this experience with La Bestia (LB to be short) and a person who actually believes fate determines our lives. I think I'm going to refer to her as........LW.
We began the discussion of fate vs free will. LB and LW seem to believe that fate is real and everything around us is fate, and that everything happens for a reason. While I can agree with the latter part of the statement, I feel fate does not exist and is too often confused with the statement that everything happens for a reason. I would like to think that I am in control of what I do with my life, not some idea that I was destined to do something. Some believe free will determines fate, but that doesn't make much sense if you think about it. One's actions determines their future, not their surroundings. I don't believe people are destined to be something. I believe they need to work towards it and earn it. Destiny sure isn't going to help them through the process. It will be their free will. I could go on and on arguing about this but it gets tedious.
The great/unfortunate thing about our gatherings is the information some people share. It can make you laugh or cringe, leave you speechless or wanting more answers. Last night, LB was kind enough to let us know about her experience at the amusement park. Fortunately for her, she was tall enough for the dragon ride. She said the ride at times was not fun but was happy to conquer it. It was apparently the biggest ride she's ever been on. Me personally, I don't like amusement parks.
You know how some people like to dress up to go watch Star Wars or Harry Potter? Turns out, LB likes to dress up as well whenever attending amusement parks. To each their own I guess. I'm not here to judge.
LW is an interesting individual to me. I see the inner-beast in her is desperate to come out, but LW is hesitant to open up the cage. What she needs to do is step up her free will and handle it. And by that I don't mean to go out with a guy just because he makes you laugh. Leading someone on is no bueno. I guess it makes sense that she's friends with LB....she's a veteran at that.
I, at times, was the focal point of the discussion. Nothing as interesting as LB, however.
After dinner, I went to another gathering that was also entertaining. Overall, it was a great night and great weekend.
I hope no one is offended by this blog. If they are (LB???), oh well. I'm sure you really don't meet the minimum height requirement for the ride at the amusement park.
Dinner on Sunday was, as my amigos like to label it, a "pow-wow," where we talk about anything and everything, including subjects we do not normally talk about. I had the priviledge of sharing this experience with La Bestia (LB to be short) and a person who actually believes fate determines our lives. I think I'm going to refer to her as........LW.
We began the discussion of fate vs free will. LB and LW seem to believe that fate is real and everything around us is fate, and that everything happens for a reason. While I can agree with the latter part of the statement, I feel fate does not exist and is too often confused with the statement that everything happens for a reason. I would like to think that I am in control of what I do with my life, not some idea that I was destined to do something. Some believe free will determines fate, but that doesn't make much sense if you think about it. One's actions determines their future, not their surroundings. I don't believe people are destined to be something. I believe they need to work towards it and earn it. Destiny sure isn't going to help them through the process. It will be their free will. I could go on and on arguing about this but it gets tedious.
The great/unfortunate thing about our gatherings is the information some people share. It can make you laugh or cringe, leave you speechless or wanting more answers. Last night, LB was kind enough to let us know about her experience at the amusement park. Fortunately for her, she was tall enough for the dragon ride. She said the ride at times was not fun but was happy to conquer it. It was apparently the biggest ride she's ever been on. Me personally, I don't like amusement parks.
You know how some people like to dress up to go watch Star Wars or Harry Potter? Turns out, LB likes to dress up as well whenever attending amusement parks. To each their own I guess. I'm not here to judge.
LW is an interesting individual to me. I see the inner-beast in her is desperate to come out, but LW is hesitant to open up the cage. What she needs to do is step up her free will and handle it. And by that I don't mean to go out with a guy just because he makes you laugh. Leading someone on is no bueno. I guess it makes sense that she's friends with LB....she's a veteran at that.
I, at times, was the focal point of the discussion. Nothing as interesting as LB, however.
After dinner, I went to another gathering that was also entertaining. Overall, it was a great night and great weekend.
I hope no one is offended by this blog. If they are (LB???), oh well. I'm sure you really don't meet the minimum height requirement for the ride at the amusement park.
Friday, July 10, 2009
You Better Appreciate This Lawen
It's been forever since I have written a new blog.
Quick summary of what has happened since my last entry:
Alex, Emily, and I got to Mission around 8 and enjoyed some Jack in the Box by a pit while waiting for Ceciah to arrive. When she finally met up with us, she forgot to bring me a chair but didn't forget to bring her attitude.
It took some time to get the fire going....Cec brought some fire starter thing and.....well, long story short, I started the fire.
Lawen decided to make an appearance. San Diego summers = fireworks over Sea World, so that's always nice. Lawen began talking about her friend who has the answer to every question....Sasha or Chacha, I don't know. She claims 4th of July fireworks only last for 15 mins but Lawen was saying it's 30 mins. I don't really trust that girl, though, because she didn't know the result of Erik Morales' 53rd pro bout (he unfortunately got stopped in 3 against Pacquiao, in case you were wondering).
The bonfire was very chill. We were all enjoying the calmness, taking in the ocean breeze. I unfortunately found out I do not have an aura, a presence of some sort. Thanks Lawen.
After that, Lawen left, Ceciah kept being mean, and I was doing work on Bejeweled. The fire began dying down so we decided to call it a night. As much as I wanted to go see Incubus in concert, I enjoyed the bonfire. It was good times.
Quick summary of what has happened since my last entry:
- finished Spring quarter with a GPA I'm happy with
- got the RA job
- came back to San Diego to enjoy the summer
- got my puppy Bonifacio
- enjoyed July 4 at South Mission for 12 hours
- unfortunately missed the Incubus concert last night but attended a bonfire with some friends, which led to this blog
Alex, Emily, and I got to Mission around 8 and enjoyed some Jack in the Box by a pit while waiting for Ceciah to arrive. When she finally met up with us, she forgot to bring me a chair but didn't forget to bring her attitude.
It took some time to get the fire going....Cec brought some fire starter thing and.....well, long story short, I started the fire.
Lawen decided to make an appearance. San Diego summers = fireworks over Sea World, so that's always nice. Lawen began talking about her friend who has the answer to every question....Sasha or Chacha, I don't know. She claims 4th of July fireworks only last for 15 mins but Lawen was saying it's 30 mins. I don't really trust that girl, though, because she didn't know the result of Erik Morales' 53rd pro bout (he unfortunately got stopped in 3 against Pacquiao, in case you were wondering).
The bonfire was very chill. We were all enjoying the calmness, taking in the ocean breeze. I unfortunately found out I do not have an aura, a presence of some sort. Thanks Lawen.
After that, Lawen left, Ceciah kept being mean, and I was doing work on Bejeweled. The fire began dying down so we decided to call it a night. As much as I wanted to go see Incubus in concert, I enjoyed the bonfire. It was good times.
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