Unveiling Hidden Gems: Empowering the Zach Glazier's on Your Team
From Shadows to Spotlight: Empowering Unsung Heroes
I was patiently waiting in Andrew's kitchen, chatting with his parents, waiting for him to get home. I was making my last attempt to talk to Andrew face to face to have him reconsider his decision to not go out for wrestling his senior year. He was one of our more athletic wrestlers and had shown promise to be a state qualifier. We talked on his patio on a brisk Colorado November – he said he was going to sleep on it. I thanked him, but I walked knowing internally he wouldn't be coming out for the team. We lived in SKI town USA. He wanted to ride with his buddies, hard to blame him, but I was still bummed out.
I'm currently watching the Big Ten Championships. Zach Glazier is wrestling in the finals for Iowa at 197 pounds. He's 24-1 with only one loss on the season to three-time and world-class NCAA champion Aaron Brookes. Glazier kept Iowa's record of a finalist in every Big 10 championship since 1967. He has been Iowa's best and most consistent guy throughout the season. He was one of a handful of dual meets for the team. Glazier is in his 5th year and has never touched the starting lineup before; in fact, he has very few wins over ranked opponents throughout his career.
All the talk before the season was on AJ Ferrari transferring to Iowa. AJ was a former national champion and blue-chip, dynamic, and as big a personality as they come. AJ didn't end up transferring due to some shenanigans, that I won't get into – but if you have a beat on college wrestling you know what I'm talking about.
Reflecting on Glazier's season, AJ wouldn't have been an upgrade. Glazier could very well make the NCAA finals. There's a lot of movement in the NCAA's with transfer portals. It got me thinking, how many Zach Glaziers are in team's lineups. Just waiting for their shot, waiting to be in the light and get their moment.
Andrew didn't end up coming out, but a sophomore named Henry would end up winning 25 matches (an improvement from his one win his freshman year) and qualifying for state. He ended up being a three-time qualifier and regional champ, and grew a love for the sport and was a terrific team player. I was zeroed in on Andrew coming out and being a potential state qualifier, just as Iowa was zeroed in on AJ Ferrari, but both me and Iowa already had that on our team. They just needed some coaching, time, and to be empowered.
As a leader how many Zach Glaziers and Henry's are on your team, ready to be refined and empowered? Before you go looking for "talent," have trust, faith, and the courage to empower the people in your circle. Someone is waiting to shine; be the light for them!
It's been a bit since I've written. I lacked discipline and inspiration, but I have some fire articles I'll be putting out in the next few weeks. You can also follow me on Linkedin where I post similar content. Sending peace and love!