A former club level wrestler and aspiring Fitness Trainer (who could that be?) used to volunteer as the announcer at an annual university wrestling tournament. He always tried to interject some humor and make each match sound like it would be a life and death struggle of epic proportions. A certain well respected coach sent one of his athletes to tell the announcer not to keep giving nicknames to his team's wrestlers. He felt that is was sending the wrong message to the audience.
What audience? The bleachers were mostly filled with other wrestlers or coaches. As far as I know, no one got offended and walked out because of the announcer's attempt to interject some fun into the event. Who knows, maybe some new fans would show up if there was more focus on marketing a show worth watching for some entertainment value as well as just the athletic spectacle.
Was it just coincidence that this was the same coach whose wrestling program lost its funding years later? He had coached both men and women wrestlers to Olympic team berths. He put his heart and soul into the sport. However amateur wrestling still languishes in obscurity compared to more mainstream sports. Could it be that creating the product is no longer enough? If the product is not promoted properly, could it become extinct?
Don't get me wrong. There are pockets of the country where the sport thrives at the school and club level.. However, losing a varsity program in such a pocket does not bode will for the future of the sport.
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| Amateur wrestling can have moments of dynamic action |
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| Unfortunately, in Canada amateur wrestling fans seem few and far between |
An acquaintance dragged me out to a professional wrestling event in Ottawa last fall. It was a level or two below the WWE. I went reluctantly. Most amateur wrestling alumni have little use for this circus type road show that shares the name 'wrestling' but has little else in common except the exaggerated throws. Of course, I reminded my acquaintance that these bouts were choreographed and therefore were entertainment rather that sport. His inevitable response was to point at a pro wrestler with cartoon-like muscles and exclaim "You tell that to him - face to face!"
After a few hours of gratuitous entertainment, I must admit that I was at least won over by the way that this product was marketed. I came away with some observations:
- This was a small venue but it was crowded to full capacity. At amateur wrestling events, there is no need for reserved seated. The empty seats are in abundance.
- The pro event had fathers out bonding with their infant sons - and daughters. There were groups of young people on dates. I have rarely seen this demographic at amateur wrestling events.
- Die hard fans wore masks, or were made-up to look live their favorite wrestlers. People carried posters and banners. Fans chanted slogans! Crowds at amateur wrestling events can be vocal but are rarely that demonstrative.
- The pro wrestling venue had a craft beer concession and a top line pizza booth nearby. Try scoring something other than greasy french fries and watered down pop while being a spectator at an amateur wrestling meet.
A new promotional model is needed! There is stiff competition from online gaming and extreme sports to attract the youthful demographic. A great sport is losing ground. Maybe it's time to move on from stifling well meaning volunteer announcers and get the real word out to the population! Actually, it will take more than just volunteers. It may be time to learn a few tricks from the pros!
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| Sure, its a gaudy circus but it thrives in a tough fan market |
Until Next Time, Keep Fit
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