The Moral and Character Development of Wrestlers
Every wrestling program must have as one of its fundamental missions the development of the moral character of its wrestlers; particularly the development of discipline, responsibility, and accountability. This fundamental mission is widely recognized in academic literature and practical materials relating to wrestling:
Wrestling teaches discipline and accountability through rigorous training, personal goal-setting, effective time management, adherence to rules, acceptance of responsibility, resilience in adversity, mental toughness, and ongoing self-reflection. These qualities empower athletes to excel not only in wrestling but also in academics, careers, and personal relationships. By embracing discipline and accountability, wrestlers develop into disciplined, responsible individuals capable of achieving success in all aspects of their lives.
Bullard, Dalton, (n.d.), Wrestling Teaches Discipline and Accountability, The School of Wrestling, https://www.theschoolofwrestling.com/wrestling-teaches-discipline-and-accountability/
Due to its physical and tactical nature that pushes emotional levels, wrestling participation offers unique moral-development experiences such as maturity of self-concept, decision making, self-control, and sportsmanship.
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This type of character-building experience, in which students must make decisions about personal and social responsibility, arise in physical education but the safe tug-of-war emotional experience in wrestling is unique and naturally occurring. Through the moral-development experiences that wrestling participation affords, the sport offers situations that are suitable for promoting character development.
Destani, F., Hannon, J. C., Podlog, L., & Brusseau, T. A. (2014), Promoting Character Development Through Teaching Wrestling in Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 85(5), 23-29.
This unique aspect of wrestling in moral and character development of young wrestlers lasts far past their youth, middle school, high school, college, or international wrestling careers. It is a lifelong phenomenon they carry into their personal relationships, conduct as citizens, and future success in employment. In a study of the lasting impact of wrestling on future success in employment, the study participants “indicate[d] the improvement of general physical fitness, acquired skills, strengthening of willpower and character. For the participants of the study, practicing wrestling was or is still an asset in their further professional careers, helping them to achieve a better status position. Cynarski, W. J., & Warchoł, K. (2022), Wrestling: the Impact of Their Cultivation on Achievements in Various Areas of Life, Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, 22(5), 22-28. Any program which does not pursue excellence in pursuit of this development is selling itself, and its wrestlers, short.
The Greenbrier East Wrestling Family of programs (high school, middle school, club/youth) have a long history of success in the moral and character development of its wrestlers. This success can be seen in the achievements of the wrestlers on and off the mat.
On the mat: in the past five years, GEHS has had nine wrestlers place in the men’s division of the state tournament, and seven wrestlers place in the women’s division (2 State Champions, going back seven years, GEHS has six state Champions and a third place finisher). In the past five years, EGMS has had six wrestlers place in the men’s division of the State Tournament, and eight wrestlers place in the women’s division (three State Champions). For the 2024 – 2025 season, ten GEHS wrestlers were selected to the Academic All State Wrestling Team (requiring a 3.6 GPA to qualify) and an additional eight wrestlers were selected for the Academic Honor Role (requiring a 3.0 GPA to qualify).
GEHS wrestlers are active in National Honor Society, academic competitions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, and other church and civic organizations. Our wrestlers also participate in other sports, excelling in football, soccer, track, cross country, baseball and softball. In recent years, GEHS wrestlers
have attended various colleges and universities including WVU, WV Tech, Marshall, Berea College, Bethany College, University of the Cumberlands, Alderson-Broaddus College, and Bluefield State University (a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)). GEHS wrestlers are proudly serving in the U.S. Army and United States Marine Corps. You can often see our high school wrestlers working in local businesses where their discipline, attitude and work ethic make them valuable employees.
All of these successes, and the character and discipline they demonstrate, will serve these young men and women throughout their lives. They should all be congratulated that they persevere not only in the toughest of sports, but also academically and socially. The role of parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, and program sponsors and donors cannot be underestimated or discounted. If you wish to volunteer or become a program donor or sponsor reach out to any of the GEHS, EGMS, or Club coaches. Join us as we watch the young men and women in our program grow throughout the 2025 – 2026 wrestling season.
