Waking up at 0330 on Saturday morning to drive to destinations throughout Europe has come to end. Bop and Log immensely enjoyed the matches, but Mama's nerves could use a breather as it was difficult to watch my babies vying for a pin on the mat. I don't believe a single match passed without an injury (usually a broken arm or dislocated shoulder) to a participant.
A tournament was held in Heidelberg this past weekend where wrestlers competed for medal placement. The match was frenetic with as many as four matches held simultaneously and with something like a dozen teams representing as many towns throughout Europe. The kiddos' team was 18 strong and of those, 10 took first place and four second place; of 54 matches wrestled, 23 of them ended in pins for team; the team lost only 5% of its matches. The coaching staff was stellar and placed a strong focus on sportsmanship. Wiesbaden dominated the tournament.
There were many girls who participated in the tournament. One of my favorite things about a match ending where a girl won was that the girls always ran to their daddies on the mat's edge. Bop was no exception and made a bee-line for J after her first match. J is giving a thumb's up indicating to another teammate that Bop had won.
The Wiesbaden Warriors making their entrance to the tournament. Log is visible directly behind Bop.
Our silver medal finisher! The wrestler who placed first was a head taller than Bop and used his height as leverage. He also had the advantage of having wrestled for several years, but Bop lasted three rounds and scored points on him. It was a close match, and we're very proud of our girl!
Log being awarded his trophy by the head coach at the team's party. Log was constantly reminded throughout the season not to lock his hands unless he was in a pinning position. Upon receiving his trophy, Log immediately noted that one of the wrestlers depicted had his hands locked. His coach laughed when Log brought this to his attention.
Bop and her trophy
Log was a gold medalist placing first in his class; Log lost only one match, his first match, all season. I still think it remarkable that my sweet boy who aspires to be a saint was able to be as aggressive as he was on the mat. I laughed hearing several coaches speaking about Log saying that he had an excellent stance and was the kid to beat!
We're already looking forward to next season in spite of the traveling!
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