Suggested Reading

Reasbeck writes Near Fall
book series to encourage kids to wrestle
Joe Reasbeck of Lago Vista, Texas has been rolling around on mats since he was
only two years old. Reasbeck, who grew up in Wisconsin, followed in the
footsteps of his father, also named Joe, who coached the sport for several
decades. As a competitor, the elder Joe won many National Titles, and recently
wrestled in the Veterans Nationals. It was only natural that Joe, the son,
follow in his fathers footsteps.
The younger Joe wrestled for the University of Minnesota, competed on the
Senior level in Greco-Roman and trained for the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games in
Greco-Roman wrestling. He is now a published author, with the subject of his
writing his favorite sport.
Standel Publishing published and released the first of the four-book series in
2007 by Reasbeck called Near Fall: Book One-- The Adventures of Matt and Mike.
Joe was inspired to write this series to try to raise awareness of the sport as
well as promote wrestling by weaving a compelling story about life and
grappling. He would love to make this fictional novel, Near Fall, an
entertainment channel to reach kids, parents and coaches around the world.
I have the deepest respect for this sport. I participated in every sport I
could get my hands on. However, there is something very different about going
out on a mat in front of family, friends, girlfriends, teammates, coaches and
even strangers--all by yourself and facing an opponent that is equally matched
to you and looking to dismantle you. The combination of the mastery of
technique, athleticism, strategy, toughness and extreme endurance puts
wrestling on top of the podium of athletic endeavor. Wrestlers truly are
warriors, Reasbeck said.
The biggest thing wrestling has taught me is persistence. I had been knocked
down so many times from opponents, injuries, and internal struggles that I came
to realize that wrestling teaches you whatever life throws at you, you can
handle. You learn to roll with the punches and discover that certain perseverance
wrestling teaches you. I dont think that is unique to me, I think it is
symptomatic of wrestling. Wrestlers are a mentally tough bunch. There is a bond amongst wrestlers, an instant
respect.
He notes that wrestlers also tend to become quite confident because of the work
it has taken them to become successful. Whether one is skilled or just
beginning, Reasbeck feels as though one can always learn from his or her
wrestling experiences.
As a coach, you talk a lot about the elite athletes, but the courage and faith
that a kid demonstrates when he knows he’s outclassed, and walks out to the
center of the mat anyhow--thats really intriguing to me. I have a lot of
respect for those kids, even more so at times than I have for the elite
athletes, said Reasbeck.
I really applaud them for taking that step into the arena and doing their
absolute best. Those who stick with it improve and eventually wind up being the
person with their hand raised but more importantly, they know how they got
there. They understand the price that had to be paid. I think that translates well
for the rest of their life.
Near Falls appeal is the winning combination of the underdog and sport. In this
book, whatever problems are encountered, wrestling is always part of the
solution.