Day 19 - thanking the crew that have helped me get to Scotland. Number 19 - Chris Schrauwen As I leave Canada, I think it is only fair to thank the guy who drove me to the airport. This could be read as a metaphor if you are poetically inclined. Chris is the head coach of NCWC, and is also a couple of years younger than me. For some, that would prove a barrier. For Chris, he just does his thing, and if you dont buy in, its your problem. Chris is a sort of Honey Badger in that regard. I bought in. Chris put up with me constantly talking strategy, technique and goals. He never shunned me or told me to go away. Chris subbed in as a regular training partner, was always pushing me to go that extra match, and always challenging me to trial and drill new technique. Chris improved me no end. One of the greatest strengths of NCWC is this plucky 20 something year old. He legitimately cares for his charges and wants them to succeed. He also does this in a way where he doesnt seek recognition for himself. Its all about the club and its individual athletes. Chris doesnt need anyone to tell him that hes good. He will most likely tell them first. I often tell people that Chris is a great coach, not as great as he thinks he is, but a great coach still. I will concede that Chris does know his trade. He does go the extra for me though, just today he did an hour one on one with me before driving me to the airport. He often does things like that. He also is a bit of a mentor to me, hes always making me think, always chiding me, chirping me, and always seeks to get the best out of me. Though sometimes he too cuts me deep. It also keeps me humble when a non-active competitor can score at will (some days!) Chris is also a great friend. He introduced me to his Beerfest event, something that we are now intent on spreading globally. We have spent many a Saturday night downtown, him with a beer, I with a Diet Coke. And we have both been eager to share the culture of each others nations. Canadians be strange buddies eh? Chris and I have started a Bromance which is special and beautiful. One day I will share the hospitality that he has imparted on me, and in the meantime will share his wisdom (some of which can only be described as bullshit) with Wrestling New Zealand. Just quietly, Chris may well be my third favourite Canadian, behind Wolverine and Celine Dion. So today, a short mean-spirited troll of a man. But in the nicest possible way. Thanks Chris.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 22:07:53 +0000
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