Hank Jr. said it best “Family Tradition”
And like country music singers GRECO Wrestlers have always been a real close family
Traditions are behaviors and actions that you engage in again and again – regular rituals that you perform at the same time and/or in the same way. Traditions can be big or small, but they differ from routines and habits in that they are done with a specific purpose in mind and require thought and intentionality.
Traditions are important for teams, when done right they lend a certain magic, spirit and texture to the team. Traditions offer numerous benefits to our families, including but not limited to the fact that they:
Traditions and rituals often tell a story or at least get the conversation started. Tradition can teach where we came from, give insight into the culture and history of the program. Traditions can serve as reminders of events and experiences that have shaped the program.
Traditions, and the stories they tell play an important role in shaping the teams identity. There’s something about understanding your past and knowing you belong to something bigger than yourself that instills confidence.
Researchers have consistently found that families that engage in frequent traditions report stronger connection and unity than families that haven’t established rituals together. Traditions provide an all-too-rare chance for face-to-face interaction, help family members get to know and trust each other more intimately, and create a bond that comes from feeling that one is part of something unique and special. I would argue that teams are no different than families in this sense. It’s comforting to have a few constants in your life.
As the coach I want this generation of Greco wrestlers to know who their predecessors are and to get to know them. I also want the previous generation of Greco wrestlers to know and support the current athletes.
Traditions are a great way to cultivate that valuable involvement from the former generation.