Running a business is an interesting endeavor. I’m sure some of you have done it, tried to do it, might still be doing it, and that’s to be commended. You identify a gap in the marketplace and decide to do something about it. For me, I’ve been in business for myself for years, career wise. But that’s always been as an independent consultant and/or freelance individual. I work for myself helping clients but the work is also by myself. Me alone all the way around. No input from others, little if any help, it definitely has its pluses and minuses. One of those minuses is that you can only grow as much as you can handle individually. And that means you can’t really grow as much as you might want to. 

And so that was also my approach to wrestling coverage. I can do it all. And for awhile I did. And it’s been a fun experience, one I am glad I took on. But I reached a ceiling. A limit to where I could go and grow. I needed help, I still do actually, and I’m excited for anyone who might read this, or otherwise know what I’m working on, and wants to contribute. I see big things on the horizon. Get in now.

And get in now is exactly what Todd Wightman did and his infusion of enthusiasm and new perspective has ignited an even greater level of motivation for me. To know that there are people, people I don’t even know personally, watching what I’m working on and wanting to participate and be a part is exciting to me.

So now, it’s not just me anymore. It’s just one man with a mission. It’s a business. A small one. An infant as it were, but a business. And with that being said I wanted to introduce the newest member, Todd Wightman, to you all and give you an idea of who he is.

Hey, Todd, so let’s start with this real quick, what’s your background in the sport?

Well, I grew up in the WPIAL so that’s the hotbed in the state, maybe the country. Wrestling is all around us here so it’s impossible to escape its influence. I played a lot of sports growing up and wasn’t wrestler per se, but I did compete in it as well. I love the community and the support around the sport and camaraderie is unlike anything else. So, even if I wasn’t the most decorated wrestler, I want to help anyway I can in the sport.

So you would say, in comparison to those other sports you played, wrestling is your favorite?

Oh for sure, it’s not even close.

Definitely agree there. And why work with me, what was the motivation behind that?

I’ve just seen some of the stuff you share and it’s definitely different and I think your vision lines up with mine. I want to help shine a light on the kids putting in work and the coaches and programs developing athletes into great people and to see where wrestling can help secure a great future even for the ones not headed to big time D1 programs.

Yeah, for sure. And what do you expect to contribute as part of the TKDWN team?

First and foremost, some great WPIAL content. Stuff that’s more personal and coming straight from someone knowledgeable of the region. I’ve already done a bunch of interviews and I feel like I’ve grown a lot even in the couple since working with you. These conversations are great and I’m excited to keep learning as I go.

It’s interesting, you think when you reach out to these athletes and coaches that they might be aloof or act like, I’m a national champ, why should I talk to you. But they’re not like that at all. I come from a world of PR where trying to get stories with people can be more than twisting arms. This community is nothing like that. People are really genuinely interested in talking and excited to share their stories. So, I think you’ll be able to grow quickly as you talk to more people.

Exactly. It’s been great. I just need to slow down now and take some time to write these up because they’re some good interviews. I’m excited.

That’s great to hear. I have to say, your involvement has made me even more excited, turned up the heat so to speak, making me realize there’s a lot more to come. 

Yessir. Whatever you need, just let me know. Whatever it is. This sport asks a lot from the people who compete and the coaches who dedicate their lives to it. It’s only right we do the same for them in our coverage and I’m happy to be here working with you to do that.

Indeed. Man, glad you reached out, glad we talked a few weeks ago, and certainly happy to have you on board and I look forward to publishing some of these interviews and seeing where this all goes.

Definitely. Thank you.

Some people reading this may have already heard from Todd. Some people will be hearing from him soon. Either way, I think you’ll find he has a natural enthusiasm for this sport and being a positive contributor its growth. I’m happy to have him involved and will continue to figure out ways to bring quality content to the community.