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The INDEPENDENT, January 21, 2010
Wrestling: What I’ve learned
by Chris Barnes, Wrestling
Coach, Vernonia High School
Wrestling: What I’ve learned
For me, wrestling is more
than a sport, it’s an education.
Wrestling has taught me philos-
ophy, physics, sports training,
psychology, and discipline. I
originally planned to write
about my own opinions and ex-
periences but decided against
it. I have asked the kids to
speak out about what they
have learned from wrestling.
They are an insightful group of
people and the responses may
surprise and delight you, enjoy
them:
Wrestling has made me a
better teammate. In practice,
when we do live wrestling and I
get a takedown, it makes me
feel good. When I get pinned in
practice I get frustrated but I
never give up. At practice I get
tired a lot, I try not to give up so
I can get better. I never thought
I would be able to wrestle be-
cause I have cerebral palsy.
But I can wrestle. It’s tough to
wrestle with cerebral palsy, but
I can, and I enjoy it.
~ Dakota Henson, Freshman
Wrestling has taught me to
manage my weight, to be com-
fortable with myself, and to be
physically and mentally tough. I
don’t have to let someone
score on me, pin me, or hold
me on my back. I am better
than that. Most of all, wrestling
has taught me to believe in my-
self.
~ Jake Barnes, Sophomore
Wrestling has taught me to
be mentally and physically
tough. And, to never give up on
myself.
~ Shylo Dooley, Sophomore
Wrestling has taught me to
never give up on myself, even
when I don’t think I can keep
going.
~ Tyler Young, Senior
Wrestling has taught me to
keep on going even when I am
dead tired. Not dead in the
head, but physically dead tired.
~ Jacob Alf, Junior
Wrestling has increased my
mental strength, physical
strength, and self-discipline
greatly.
~ Parker Roach, Junior
Self-respect. Self-Discipline.
That’s what wrestling has
taught me.
~ Calvin Barnes, Senior
All for one and one for all,
and no quitters. You reach the
equilibrium of your life.
~ Quin Johansen, Freshman
My mental strength is many
times what it used to be. I have
learned how powerful mental
strength is.
~ Preston Roach, Senior
Wrestling has taught me
more than just mental tough-
ness. But the fact that it is
‘mental’, you can push yourself
to the edge and over it, and still
get up again. But only if you be-
lieve you can.
~ Damien Vifquain, Sophomore
Wrestling has taught me dis-
cipline throughout life. Fight for
what you want. Mental tough-
ness. The desire to win. Work-
ing as a family to achieve an in-
dividual goal. Have no quit. A
work ethic like no other.
~ Joe Benes, Sophomore
Midway
Veterinary
Clinic
Senior
Discounts
Open in Vernonia
Wednesdays and Saturdays
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call for appointments
503-429-1612
805 Bridge Street
Vernonia
Small and Large Animals
Between the Bookends
By Nancy Burch, Librarian
Vernonia Public Library
Over the years I have
discussed plots and pa-
tron comments concern-
ing many novels, but have
been quite selective when
making personal recom-
mendations. Looking back,
it appears that many of the
reading materials I have
suggested have been re-
lated to the plight of Japanese Americans during
and following World War II, and my recommen-
dation for this month is another that touches on
this topic. Hank Davenport, the main character in
Craig Joseph Danner’s latest novel, is a respect-
ed pediatrician whose reputation hangs in the
balance when he is accused of the mercy-killing
of a young patient. Hank, a Japanese-American
raised in Oregon by Caucasian parents, seeks
refuge on the rundown homestead of his adop-
tive mother, Myra, where he finds that she is suc-
cumbing to Alzheimer’s. As his mother’s demen-
tia progresses, the secrets of her past are re-
vealed and Hank unravels the convoluted mys-
tery of his ethnicity. There is also a mysterious
element involved concerning the unexplained
burning of the buildings in Edgarville—thus, the
title, The Fires of Edgarville, but this book is so
much more than these mysteries. It gives the
reader a chance to experience the hatred and in-
justice aimed at Japanese-Americans during this
era. Danner brings these sentiments to light as
Myra’s Alzheimer-induced (memories?) take her
back to the past. While the plot and descriptions
are exceptionally compelling, the method that
Danner utilizes to let the reader have a glimpse
Wrestling has taught me to
fight through mental weakness.
Going through pain means
nothing.
~ Dillon Dethlefs, Sopho-
more
Wrestling has taught me
what true discipline, sacrifice,
and hard work are. It has made
me much tougher physically
and mentally. I realized that if
you can give the time to show
discipline, sacrifice and hard
into how the mind of someone with Alzheimer’s
might work are especially provocative. Who
among us, who has dealt personally with an
Alzheimer’s patient, has not wondered where
their minds may be taking them? Of course
Danner doesn’t really know, but it certainly gives
one something to consider.
Other recent acquisitions include The First
Rule by Robert Crais, Treasure Hunt by John Le-
scroart, Iron River by T. Jefferson Parker, Deep-
er than the Dead by Tami Hoag, and Home
Game and The Blind Side by Michael Lewis.
Movies for the month will be Up, shown at
2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23rd, and The Pro-
posal, shown at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January
28th. The movies are free and so is the popcorn;
the public is encouraged to enjoy these with fam-
ily and friends.
Book discussion will be 5:30, Monday, Janu-
ary 23rd, with works by the author, Mitch Albom
being the topic of the month.
Remember the after school reading/activity
hour that takes place every Tuesday afternoon
(when school is in session) at 3:30. Youngsters
are encouraged to participate in this hour of fun
and learning.
Testing will be held in Vernonia for census po-
sitions, on two dates: Friday, January 29 at 1:30
p.m., and Saturday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m.
This testing will take place in the library.
Vernonia Public Library: 701 Weed Ave.
Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tues., Thur. 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Preschool Story Time: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
when school is in session.
Phone: 503-429-1818
work, you will achieve.
~ Kodi Dyer, Junior
Wrestling has taught me that
if you think hard enough and try
hard enough, anything can
happen for you.
~ Alax Barber, Junior
Wrestling has taught me that
you need to be disciplined and
hard working, don’t give up.
You could say that pain is
weakness leaving the body.
~ Ethan Johnston, Fresh-
V ALENTINE ’ S D AY
IS ON THE WAY
We have great specials
on Floral bouquets, cards,
stuffed toys, balloons and more.
man
When faced with a chal-
lenge, those who put forth the
most effort receive the greatest
rewards.
~ Cody Cowles, Junior
Wrestling has taught me to
never give up. Even when you
think you can’t keep going. Just
keep going.
~ Brett Benes, Sophomore
Wrestling has taught me to
never give up when it gets
tough. Also, I can do a lot more
than I thought I could. It has
taught me discipline.
~ Dani Hevron, Sophomore
Wrestling has taught me that
no matter who you are, if you
put your mind to it, you can do
anything. My first season, just
about the whole team told me I
wouldn’t make it through the
first week because I was a girl.
I didn’t let that get to me…and
here I am.
~ Sammy Morgan, Sopho-
more
Wrestling has taught me to
never give up and work hard
because it will pay off.
~~ Josiah Naeve, Junior