The roar of the crowd, the smell of sweat, and the feeling of power overcrowd the gym. The feeling is almost palpable. Drawn in by the determination on the faces of those wrestling afar, one blink and the match ahead may conclude. Shawn Michaels, Alexa Bliss, and Chris Jericho all share a mutual love for wrestling but also have hidden their struggles behind the strong faces they display. 

     Wrestlers must weigh in to certain weight classes, which keeps all matches fair and balanced. This is a unique aspect of this sport and can cause issues if not aware. Some perceive eating disorders and mental health struggles to be more prevalent in female athletes rather than males, however, this is not true. Stepping on a scale eight times a day and constantly worrying about being the correct weight, whether heavier or lighter, can be hard for some. Coping looks different for everyone, and for the aforementioned people, this was struggling with food relationships and the way they perceive themselves when looking in the mirror. 

     Times have changed from 20+ years ago. Eating disorders are more widely known, and more support has been shown for those who suffer in that area. The coaching staff at the high school has done the best they can to support their athletes by creating a safe environment and teaching healthy habits when cutting weight. Jason Haag has been coaching for 16 years in the district, and he believes in the importance of positive self-talk and healthy eating habits.

     The coaching staff helps each individual athlete come up with meal plans that work best for them. This can look like eating enough protein, drinking water, consuming complex carbs, and getting enough vegetables. Diet regimens depend on the athlete, but cutting out food completely is never a good option. They make it known that the athlete is more important than the win. “We want to help athletes become the best version of themselves,” Haag said. To him, coaching is teaching athletes skills that will carry with them throughout life. Take it one day at a time, and no matter the outcome of a match, the way one treats oneself means more than any trophy win that day.  

     Natalie Hedlund, junior, has been wrestling for ten years. Throughout these years, she has struggled with anxiety but has used wrestling as a way to overcome that. “It has given me a sense of purpose,” she said. Hedlund has seen how eating disorders have affected other wrestlers. Eating disorders can lead to a higher risk of injury, and sometimes injury is irreversible. She wants to stress to other athletes that it is okay to reach out, ask for help, and never take what one has for granted. In the future to better herself, she will start putting her mental health above all. Sports may be fun, but one’s mindset is forever. 

     More athletes need to be aware of how to cut properly. This means coming up with a good meal plan that best suits them and their health. Wrestling, like any sport, is very physical. Injury does occur, and it is important to be eating and drinking enough. Cael Shultz, senior, has been wrestling for six years. He recognizes the importance of healthy habits during and outside of wrestling season. “Some just don’t know how to cut properly,” he said. The importance of coaching staff helping their athletes with nutrition is so important, especially for new wrestlers. He enjoys wrestling and wants younger athletes to know. “It goes by quick,” he said. Eat healthy, live in the moment, and let oneself improve every day. 

     In all sports, mental health is important. All have their own struggles. It is important to find strength within that struggle. Take deep breaths, live in the big and little moments, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. Take the strides to be better each day, whether that stride is a small step or a mile. Stay healthy, remain calm, and when one goes to lace their shoes and prepare for the match, when that final buzzer goes off, walk away feeling no regrets.