The DSM group had a great meeting last night. Thanks to all who were able to make it!
A member of the group -- a former Iowa wrestler -- shared an incredible story about a health crisis in his family that resulted in a lengthy stay at the U of I Hospitals and Clinics. I won't get more specific than that out of respect for his privacy, and he can share more detail if he wants to do so. I suspect you all may be hearing the story in more detail down the road, because it's extremely compelling. In any case, the completely unsolicited outpouring of support from the Iowa wresting staff and wrestlers was phenomenal -- so amazing that it gave this guy a whole new level of appreciation and love for Iowa wrestling. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the room by the end of this story.
Just one example of how our staff cares about their guys -- future, current, and past: This guy's family spent 28 days in the hospital. Coach Tom Brands visited them in their room on 27 of those 28 days, spending hours upon hours lending support. Completely of his own volition, and you know he had plenty of work to do. And there was a veritable parade of Iowa coaches and wrestlers throughout the month.
I've always believed in our staff and known what quality men they are. I've always had the utmost respect for the culture we have in the Iowa wrestling program. But this story elevated my respect for these guys to a whole new level. Of course, Tom, Terry, Coach Gable, the staff, and the wrestlers never intended for anyone but this family to know about their actions. They went far beyond the call of duty because they cared, and because it was the right thing to do.
If I'm the parent of a recruit and I'm looking for a place where my son will be part of a tightly-knit family where the coaches look after him as if he's one of their own, I'm pointing him to Iowa. Sure, it's arguably the most legendary wrestling program in modern history, but it's also a place filled with genuine people who sincerely care about their guys, are dedicated to molding them into successful men on and off the mat, and will treat them like their own sons. It's a special place. Food for thought for any recruit's family. Remember that yes, the goal is to win championships, but there's a lot more to life than just wrestling, and our staff sees the big picture in a uniquely compassionate way.
Go Hawks.
A member of the group -- a former Iowa wrestler -- shared an incredible story about a health crisis in his family that resulted in a lengthy stay at the U of I Hospitals and Clinics. I won't get more specific than that out of respect for his privacy, and he can share more detail if he wants to do so. I suspect you all may be hearing the story in more detail down the road, because it's extremely compelling. In any case, the completely unsolicited outpouring of support from the Iowa wresting staff and wrestlers was phenomenal -- so amazing that it gave this guy a whole new level of appreciation and love for Iowa wrestling. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the room by the end of this story.
Just one example of how our staff cares about their guys -- future, current, and past: This guy's family spent 28 days in the hospital. Coach Tom Brands visited them in their room on 27 of those 28 days, spending hours upon hours lending support. Completely of his own volition, and you know he had plenty of work to do. And there was a veritable parade of Iowa coaches and wrestlers throughout the month.
I've always believed in our staff and known what quality men they are. I've always had the utmost respect for the culture we have in the Iowa wrestling program. But this story elevated my respect for these guys to a whole new level. Of course, Tom, Terry, Coach Gable, the staff, and the wrestlers never intended for anyone but this family to know about their actions. They went far beyond the call of duty because they cared, and because it was the right thing to do.
If I'm the parent of a recruit and I'm looking for a place where my son will be part of a tightly-knit family where the coaches look after him as if he's one of their own, I'm pointing him to Iowa. Sure, it's arguably the most legendary wrestling program in modern history, but it's also a place filled with genuine people who sincerely care about their guys, are dedicated to molding them into successful men on and off the mat, and will treat them like their own sons. It's a special place. Food for thought for any recruit's family. Remember that yes, the goal is to win championships, but there's a lot more to life than just wrestling, and our staff sees the big picture in a uniquely compassionate way.
Go Hawks.
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