05/17/2026
I was on social media this week and came across a commencement speech that Eric Church gave at the University of North Carolina graduation. If you haven't seen it, WATCH IT!
While watching it, there was a certain part that really struck a chord with me...(you'll get the pun)...and I wanted to share the quote. He says,
"Your generation faces the temptation no generation before has ever faced. The temptation to perform for everyone and belong to no one. To be globally visible and locally invisible. To have thousands of followers and no one actually knows where you live. Resist this. Plant yourself somewhere. Put down roots with the full intention of growing there. Learn the actual names, not usernames, of the people around you. Volunteer. Coach the team. Build the thing your community needs, even if the internet will never see it. Generosity is not something you do after you make it. It’s how you make it. If you get lost, and at some point I promise you, you will. You have a place you belong now. Come back. Walk through the quad on a fall day. Or sit on Franklin Street on a game day. And remember, these are my people. Because I am a Tar Heel."
This hit me hard because this is all so true. Getting involved in coaching and community has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and I want to single out that he said volunteer. I cannot stress enough the importance of this. The community we have THRIVES on volunteers and people that go above and beyond for our kids. Seniors, BE THOSE PEOPLE! The opportunities that you have been afforded have been in some way possible because of them, and I am beyond thankful for them.
To my senior wrestlers/managers past, present, and future, I am going to say this...If you get lost, and at some point I promise you, you will. You have a place you belong now. Come back home and visit. Watch a meet or tournament. Join us for practice or open mats. See what you've help build. Our wrestling room door is always open, and remember...we are your people, because you are a wrestler!
