My name is Kale Roth. I am a junior on the wrestling team at the University of Dubuque. Wrestling has completely changed my life and how I view my physical and mental health. Physically, wrestling has changed the way that my body is. The long hours of practices involving drill after drill, running, and lifting have really helped me develop strength, speed, and cardio. It has given me functional strength from the act of grappling and shooting for takedowns and amazing cardio to push through seven minute matches with everything I had. Learning to make weight has given me great habits with regards to nutrition and recovery. I know what it takes to take care of my body because I wrestled Mentally, wrestling has changed my life more than physically. Wrestling is very much a mental sport because you are one on one with an opponent and have nobody to blame but yourself. Wrestling has made me resilient in all aspects of my life because it has shown me time and time again that no matter how many losses I take or how many times I get beaten down in practice I can use failure to analyze and get better. Wrestling has made me more efficient in stressful situations, whether I’m down in a match or need to complete a task in life, I know that I have the mental clarity to break down and address issues efficiently and systematically. Wrestling has also shown me sacrifice through the dedication of late-night lifting and practices and saying no to certain activities. I know how to reach a goal, and this discipline has translated into my daily life. I am a step closer to success because the strength of my mental health has taught me how to set goals and be dedicated. With wrestling and life comes emotional stressors like having to leave a coach, going head-to-head with your best friend, or having to split ways with your wrestling partner so you can each go further in your wrestling careers. These are just some of the hardships that have tested my mental wellbeing but for me wrestling was also the way out. Wrestling has given me a quiet confidence within myself. The hard-fought matches and wins have shown me what I am capable of doing and how to handle life’s obstacles head on with a chip on my shoulder. I am extremely grateful to have wrestling in my life and to have learned to prioritize my physical and mental health.
