Few sports have the ability to test the heart and determination of an athlete at such a young age, but wrestling does. After two seasons, the Swainsboro Tiger Youth Wrestling program continues to develop qualities in children that are becoming rarer—discipline, strength, toughness, and perseverance. Many parents cringe at the thought of seeing their baby get roughed up on the mat, but for parents that embrace the idea that the world needs tough people, they get to experience their children growing into men and women that will one day fearlessly navigate the world.
This year’s group of Cubs ended the season by competing in the 2023 Three River’s Youth Wrestling Tournament, which had wrestlers representing multiple schools including Swainsboro, Vidalia, West Laurens, Toombs County, Montgomery County, Irwin County, Bacon County, Dodge County, and Jeff Davis County. The Tigers had no less than 12 first and second place finishers in their age division and weight class. Some of these wrestlers dominated and won quickly, while others fought tirelessly to the final seconds to claim victory. Some took accidental knees to the head, were slammed on the mat, had bloody noses, and encountered various other bumps and bruises, but they kept battling for no other reason then that’s what winners do.
Some Cubs started the season with hesitation, but by the end were different—ready to take on anyone. Others, came in with a year already under their belt, encouraged to learn more and improve on their success from last season. All in all, everyone got better, wrestlers and coaches, and for that this season was a huge success.
This season is over, but for those that missed out, the Cubs will be back on the mat again next Oct/Nov. If you want to be a part of the only sport in Emanuel County where you can represent the Swainsboro Tigers at Swainsboro Primary and Swainsboro Elementary School (Ages 4-11), consider signing up next year. Follow Swainsboro Tiger Wrestling on Facebook for more updates and notices on next year’s season.
