Wrestling with Team Conflict

Abstract

Tony and his friends have been wrestling together since they were ten years old. At the start of their sophomore year, Tony is named team captain. Tony is thrilled, but soon realizes that being team captain has changed his relationship with his friends. Instead of always joking around on the mat, Tony now has the responsibility of leading his friends, pushing his friends in practice, and making sure his friends are following the rules in the classroom and on the mat.

***

Along the ascending gravel road two miles from home, Tony threw his legs into high gear. “It’s not a hill. It’s an opportunity. It’s not a hill. It’s an opportunity.” His coach had taught him this mantra and it played over and over in his head. His quads were on fire, but once he made it to the top of the hill, it was a nice long descent for the final mile-and-a-half cool down.