What Makes A Good Wrestler

Question
I have an 8th grade son, about 134 lbs 5'9".  He is very strong, fast, but not very flexible.  He said out of the blue that he might like to join the wrestling team this year.  He has never participated in this sport and some of his teamates would have one or two years of experience on him.  Any thoughts?

Answer
That's actually somewhat funny. I started wrestling in 8th grade with no indurence or strength. My thoughts on this would be to let him join. He'll pick up everything quickly and if he asked you to join then that means he really wants it. The coachs are great and they train you everyday so you'll gain everything along with flexability. Being strong really helps for his weight class too and if he's fast, then all the better. He can gain flexibility like i said before. As for experience, people might have 3 years of experience but still be beaten by a 1st year. I did that, had 2 years of experience and i destroyed this kid who had 4 years of experience and was varsity. As a father i know you are concenered with your child getting hurt which is why we have coaches. These coaches will not put your son in a situation they know would get him hurt. Also the teammates would probably help your son out on moves and training because in a wrestling team means you are part of a family. So i wouldn't worry and i would tell your son to go for it. If you need clarification or more advice, feel free to email me again. Good luck to your son.