Little Comets Wrestling: Instilling Values Beyond the Sport
posted February 7, 2023
Cardinal Community School District is proud to offer students in preschool through 6th grade the opportunity to join the Little Comets Wrestling club. The school-facilitated club is open to any students who would like to join!
“The only thing we require is a good effort and a good attitude,” says Shea Swafford, Little Comet’s Wrestling head coach and middle school wrestling coach.
Coach Swafford facilitates the club with additional coaches, including his dad Mark Swafford, Logan Frescoln, Dakota Miller (head high school wrestling coach) and some Cardinal high school students that stay after their own practice to assist. The coaches take their role very seriously, wanting to demonstrate a good leadership example for the students in what could be their first introduction to a team sport.
“My real responsibility is to be a role model for these kids,” Coach Swafford says. “Kids are going to reflect whatever energy or attitude that you give off as a coach or a leader.”
Two key values are emphasized to participants: attitude and effort.
“Nobody has control of the abilities they were given at birth, but generally everyone has the ability or the opportunity to control their attitude and effort,” Coach Swafford explains. “These values will contribute to high achievement in any facet of their life in the future, not just wrestling.”
From an athletic standpoint, the club offers our youngest students an early look at athletic-centered training as coaches guide them through technique, live wrestling, conditioning, flexibility and even some acrobatic training.
“These training methods are for the specific purpose of building athleticism and, in turn, creating better wrestlers,” Coach Swafford shares.
The club provides many benefits for participants, including learning to overcome challenges, developing sportsmanship, learning from your mistakes, and respecting others.
“It's a very personal sport which can make it easy to be very chippy and disrespectful in some cases,” Coach Swafford explains. “We hold ourselves to a higher standard as Cardinal Comets. There is no such thing as a loss; there are only lessons. With that motto, it doesn't quite eliminate the pain of losing, but it teaches these kids to be good sports and respectful of their opponents.”
Students in the club also gain a tight-knit group of friends. Participants usually form a special bond as they grow their skills and take on new challenges.
“These kids are a family by the end of the year which is such a treat to witness as a coach of this club,” Coach Swafford says. “I wouldn't want it any other way.”
How to Join
Wondering if this is a good fit for your child? We recommend Little Comets Wrestling club for families who:
- Have a child interested in wrestling and growing their skills
- Want their child to participate in a fun but valuable experience
- Want their child to learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and other key values at a young age
If you’re curious about the club and have questions, please reach out to Coach Swafford at shea.swafford@cardinalcomet.com.
Support
A Note from Coach Swafford
This program is funded and motivated by some incredible parents and supporters. Without their support, the club, this tournament, and our success would not be possible. We are so grateful for all they do for our Little Comets!
