Wrestling Shoes
By Dylan Kupcis
Sports Bring People Together
When I got to high school, I had never wrestled before and knew almost no one. Walking into the wrestling room for the first time, I was extremely nervous, but what I remember most is how welcoming everyone was. These shoes helped me connect with a group of people I had never met. Before long, what was once a room full of strangers became some of my closest friends.
By building connections, developing social skills, and improving academic ability, youth sports play a critical role in building strong community bonds and developing lifelong skils.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Fig. 2.
Sports Build Community
Participation in sports encourages inclusion by welcoming people into groups where cooperation and mutual support are required to be successful. Sports provide a space where individuals of diverse backgrounds can connect and form a sense of belonging.
Sports promote health by encouraging physical activity, giving peers to motivate you, and providing goals to work toward. This leads to many benefits including increasing physical ability, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being.
Health
Social Inclusion
Social Capital
Participants in sports are constantly building social capital, networks of trust, and friendships. These relationships will support them in school, work, and everyday life.
"By participating in sports, individuals develop networks, trust, and mutual support, which are essential components of social capital. This strengthens community ties and facilitates collective action" (Bringing Communities).
"Sports provide a platform where people of various ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds can participate equally, promoting social integration and reducing discrimination" (Bringing Communities).
"Engaging in sports promotes physical health and mental well-being, contributing to a healthier community overall" (Bringing Communities).
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
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How Sports Develop Social Skills
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 11.
“The psychological benefits of youth sports include: Lower stress levels, Lower rates of anxiety and depression, Greater self-confidence and higher self-esteem, Improved cognitive performance, More creativity” (University of San Diego). This means that children who stay active are better able to focus, retain information, and think quickly, skills that directly support learning and academic success.
Why Sports are Necessary in Schools
Wrestling played a large role in my academic success throughout high school. In order to be eligible to compete, you were required to be in good academic standing. This meant I had to ensure I had no missing or outstanding assignments. My team encouraged me to stay on top of all my work and form good relationships with my teachers. This system allowed me to succeed both in athletics and academics.
“Athletics during one’s school years … can manifest in the following ways: Lower school dropout rates, Better overall academic performance and higher GPAs, Up to 40% higher test scores than their counterparts, A statistically higher likelihood of attending college” (University of San Diego). Stronger fitness not only benefits physical health but also contributes to improved brain structure and function, creating long-term advantages in school achievement and overall cognitive growth.
One of the best parts of being on a team is the academic support network you are provided with. Whenever one of my teammates was struggling in a class, the first place they would seek help was the team. I was able to help many of my teammates do homework, study, and learn concepts. This resulted in the entire team being overall stronger and ensured everyone stayed academically eligible to wrestle.
While, “Strong evidence supports physical activity and fitness levels being positively associated with cognitive performance and overall academic performance in youth” (Pinto-Escalona, et al), it is extremely important to maintain a healthy balance. “Sports participation at the highest competitive level seems to be associated with an impaired academic performance” (Pinto-Escalona, et al), this is due to sports taking up time to focus on academic work.
Fig. 10.
Work Cited
- “Bringing Communities Together through Sports – SportsVisit.” Sportsvisit.org, 2025, sportsvisit.org/2025/05/28/bringing-communities-together-through-sports/.
- Sullivan, Kevin . “How Sports Bring People Together | George W. Bush Presidential Center.” George W. Bush Presidential Center, 18 July 2024, www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/sports-and-power/how-sports-bring-people-together.
- Räikkönen, Timo, and Juha Hedman. “Unlocking the Power of Sports: An Exploration of the Nexus between Shared Place, Community Competence, and Sense of Community.” International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, vol. 17, no. 1, 27 Aug. 2024, pp. 1–19, https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2024.2396836.
- Pinto-Escalona, Tania, et al. “Sport Participation and Academic Performance in Young Elite Athletes.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 23, 1 Jan. 2022, p. 15651, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9737165/.
- University of San Diego. “The Benefits of Youth Sports in Child Development.” University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education, University of San Diego, 10 July 2023, pce.sandiego.edu/child-development-through-sports/.
Images Cited
- Fig. 1. Rudis Wrestling Shoes, Product Photo. OfferUp, Rudis, https://offerup.com/item/detail/35c9acfe-278b-35f0-99ff-38c7d449cffd.
- Fig. 2. Blast Double Take Down. Tufan Khalilov, Mc Photographer.
- Fig. 3. Rudis Wrestling Shoes. Dylan Kupcis.
- Fig. 4. Wrestling Team after Tournament, Albemarle High School Wrestling Team.
- Fig. 5. Fireman's Carry Takedown, Mohammed Alagib.
- Fig. 6. Wrestling Team Celebrating, Albemarle High School Wrestling Team.
- Fig. 7. Wrestling Team Photo, Albemarle High School Wrestling Team.
- Fig. 8. Wrestling Take Down. Micheal Choi, Tufan Khalilov, https://youtube.com/shorts/OKwNpzfB0xo.
- Fig. 9. Athlete Receiving Award. Dylan Kupcis, Brain Ruby, Ali Alnidawi.
- Fig. 10. UNK Wrestling Team practice. Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications, https://unknews.unk.edu/2023/01/18/a-blessing-to-our-program-with-local-support-unk-opens-new-wrestling-facility-on-campus/.
- Fig. 11. Albemarle High School. Dunbar Structural, https://www.dunbarstructural.com/portfolio/portfolio11/.
Sports Lead to Unbreakable Bonds
Sports bring people together through shared goals, teamwork, and collective experiences, creating bonds that extend beyond the field of play. “Sports have a unique ability to bring people together” (Sullivan). In his article Sullivan shared his experience with how sports allowed him to bond deeper with his dad, “just about every conversation we had included some reference to our teams” (Sullivan). My time wrestling showed me just how quickly relationships are built through sports. Within my first few weeks I went from not knowing a single person to having close relationships with multiple of my teammates. Just as Sullivan claimed sports brought my team together. Almost instantly a communal sense of trust was created and I always knew that no matter what my teammates had my back.
How Sports Act as a Third Place
Sports act as a “third place” or a place that provides social interaction and community outside of work or home. “These non-home/non-work places act as mediation between the individuals and the larger society, arrange their patterns of everyday interactions, and have the potential to contribute to their well-being, community identity, and participation” (Timo and Hedman). Similar to community centers, or clubs, sports act as a gathering place where individuals can interact in a relaxed, informal setting. This “third place” allows for friendships and connections that are not related to the pressures of school, work, or home life. On a team, everyone is working toward a shared goal. This collective purpose encourages collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The Community I Found and Memories I Made
Audio Voice Over
Fig. 8.
Wrestling Allowed me to Develop Social Skills
Going into high school getting to know and meeting new people was a stressful experience for me. However, being in wrestling made all these feelings go away. I knew that I could trust everyone in that room and we all wanted what was best for the team. Here I was able to practice meeting new people, conversation skills, and overall social interaction. This helped me get closer to my teammates, but also helped me form connections outside of wrestling. The photo directly to the right (Fig. 9.) shows me receiving an award after my sophomore season. This was the “Patriot Award” which meant I demonstrated the core values of our team: work ethic, dedication, leadership, and community. I feel this award represents how wrestling allowed me to grow as a person. I went from a socially awkward freshman who was terrified to meet new people to a leader and a mentor within my community.
Fig. 9.
Sports Allow you to Practice Social Interaction
Sports allow for social interactions to occur naturally. When discussing moves, running drills, giving advice, or just celebrating a win, communication becomes a natural part of participation. This not only strengthens team function but also helps individuals build confidence in their social abilities. “Participating in collective undertakings within local sports clubs could be seen as a trial heat or a practice ground for broader civic engagement and community development” (Timo and Hedman). This allows for teammates to develop their social skills together. Sports put you through so many emotions and whether it be celebration, exhaustion, or despair after a loss. By being put into these situations around people you trust you can learn to be preprepared for almost any interaction you face in the future. These skills transfer into so many other areas of life, from school to careers to personal relationships. Sports provide a unique environment where mistakes have little consequences allowing you to focus on developing skills.
Wrestling Shoes Final
Dylan Kupcis
Created on September 24, 2025
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Transcript
Wrestling Shoes
By Dylan Kupcis
Sports Bring People Together
When I got to high school, I had never wrestled before and knew almost no one. Walking into the wrestling room for the first time, I was extremely nervous, but what I remember most is how welcoming everyone was. These shoes helped me connect with a group of people I had never met. Before long, what was once a room full of strangers became some of my closest friends.
By building connections, developing social skills, and improving academic ability, youth sports play a critical role in building strong community bonds and developing lifelong skils.
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Fig. 2.
Sports Build Community
Participation in sports encourages inclusion by welcoming people into groups where cooperation and mutual support are required to be successful. Sports provide a space where individuals of diverse backgrounds can connect and form a sense of belonging.
Sports promote health by encouraging physical activity, giving peers to motivate you, and providing goals to work toward. This leads to many benefits including increasing physical ability, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being.
Health
Social Inclusion
Social Capital
Participants in sports are constantly building social capital, networks of trust, and friendships. These relationships will support them in school, work, and everyday life.
"By participating in sports, individuals develop networks, trust, and mutual support, which are essential components of social capital. This strengthens community ties and facilitates collective action" (Bringing Communities).
"Sports provide a platform where people of various ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds can participate equally, promoting social integration and reducing discrimination" (Bringing Communities).
"Engaging in sports promotes physical health and mental well-being, contributing to a healthier community overall" (Bringing Communities).
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
More Info
How Sports Develop Social Skills
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 11.
“The psychological benefits of youth sports include: Lower stress levels, Lower rates of anxiety and depression, Greater self-confidence and higher self-esteem, Improved cognitive performance, More creativity” (University of San Diego). This means that children who stay active are better able to focus, retain information, and think quickly, skills that directly support learning and academic success.
Why Sports are Necessary in Schools
Wrestling played a large role in my academic success throughout high school. In order to be eligible to compete, you were required to be in good academic standing. This meant I had to ensure I had no missing or outstanding assignments. My team encouraged me to stay on top of all my work and form good relationships with my teachers. This system allowed me to succeed both in athletics and academics.
“Athletics during one’s school years … can manifest in the following ways: Lower school dropout rates, Better overall academic performance and higher GPAs, Up to 40% higher test scores than their counterparts, A statistically higher likelihood of attending college” (University of San Diego). Stronger fitness not only benefits physical health but also contributes to improved brain structure and function, creating long-term advantages in school achievement and overall cognitive growth.
One of the best parts of being on a team is the academic support network you are provided with. Whenever one of my teammates was struggling in a class, the first place they would seek help was the team. I was able to help many of my teammates do homework, study, and learn concepts. This resulted in the entire team being overall stronger and ensured everyone stayed academically eligible to wrestle.
While, “Strong evidence supports physical activity and fitness levels being positively associated with cognitive performance and overall academic performance in youth” (Pinto-Escalona, et al), it is extremely important to maintain a healthy balance. “Sports participation at the highest competitive level seems to be associated with an impaired academic performance” (Pinto-Escalona, et al), this is due to sports taking up time to focus on academic work.
Fig. 10.
Work Cited
Images Cited
Sports Lead to Unbreakable Bonds
Sports bring people together through shared goals, teamwork, and collective experiences, creating bonds that extend beyond the field of play. “Sports have a unique ability to bring people together” (Sullivan). In his article Sullivan shared his experience with how sports allowed him to bond deeper with his dad, “just about every conversation we had included some reference to our teams” (Sullivan). My time wrestling showed me just how quickly relationships are built through sports. Within my first few weeks I went from not knowing a single person to having close relationships with multiple of my teammates. Just as Sullivan claimed sports brought my team together. Almost instantly a communal sense of trust was created and I always knew that no matter what my teammates had my back.
How Sports Act as a Third Place
Sports act as a “third place” or a place that provides social interaction and community outside of work or home. “These non-home/non-work places act as mediation between the individuals and the larger society, arrange their patterns of everyday interactions, and have the potential to contribute to their well-being, community identity, and participation” (Timo and Hedman). Similar to community centers, or clubs, sports act as a gathering place where individuals can interact in a relaxed, informal setting. This “third place” allows for friendships and connections that are not related to the pressures of school, work, or home life. On a team, everyone is working toward a shared goal. This collective purpose encourages collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The Community I Found and Memories I Made
Audio Voice Over
Fig. 8.
Wrestling Allowed me to Develop Social Skills
Going into high school getting to know and meeting new people was a stressful experience for me. However, being in wrestling made all these feelings go away. I knew that I could trust everyone in that room and we all wanted what was best for the team. Here I was able to practice meeting new people, conversation skills, and overall social interaction. This helped me get closer to my teammates, but also helped me form connections outside of wrestling. The photo directly to the right (Fig. 9.) shows me receiving an award after my sophomore season. This was the “Patriot Award” which meant I demonstrated the core values of our team: work ethic, dedication, leadership, and community. I feel this award represents how wrestling allowed me to grow as a person. I went from a socially awkward freshman who was terrified to meet new people to a leader and a mentor within my community.
Fig. 9.
Sports Allow you to Practice Social Interaction
Sports allow for social interactions to occur naturally. When discussing moves, running drills, giving advice, or just celebrating a win, communication becomes a natural part of participation. This not only strengthens team function but also helps individuals build confidence in their social abilities. “Participating in collective undertakings within local sports clubs could be seen as a trial heat or a practice ground for broader civic engagement and community development” (Timo and Hedman). This allows for teammates to develop their social skills together. Sports put you through so many emotions and whether it be celebration, exhaustion, or despair after a loss. By being put into these situations around people you trust you can learn to be preprepared for almost any interaction you face in the future. These skills transfer into so many other areas of life, from school to careers to personal relationships. Sports provide a unique environment where mistakes have little consequences allowing you to focus on developing skills.