Wrestling's Quaker Values

By: Julian Brenman ‘20                  

Junior Sports Information Director (Jr SID)       

     Quaker tradition preaches love, respect, community, and teamwork. So, many people wonder, “Why would a Quaker school host a wrestling program? Doesn’t that contradict Quakerism?” I must admit, when I first came to Friends’ Central, I was a tad surprised to learn this sport was being practiced at such a “peaceful” institution. This feeling remained until I recently spoke to two FCS wrestling experts, who assure everyone the only thing wrestling tackles, is teamwork.

     Mr. Jacob Fogel ‘07 wrestled as a student, and now serves as an eighth grade advisor, 8th & 10th grade history teacher and Varsity wrestling coach. He explains how the sport embraces Quaker values. “Wrestling is about community within the team. There’s a simplicity to it, because there’s no equipment. In a lot of other sports, there is equipment that gains an advantage, but in wrestling, it’s just one’s work ethic gaining advantage. Integrity is also an important aspect of the sport. If a player tries to do something that’s cheating or dirty, the fans and ref will see. Therefore, the player must hold him or herself accountable. In addition, there’s a peaceful piece to wrestling. Every match starts and ends with the individual players shaking hands. This is symbolic, and really drives the point home that  opponents aren’t enemies.”

    Mr. Fogel later recalled his wrestling days noting, “Some of my best friends were people from other schools with whom I had to wrestle many times. As a result, I had a huge amount of respect for them.”

    As friendly as the sport may be, Mr. Fogel familiar with the criticisms less informed community members offer. “I have encountered people who accuse wrestling of being a violent endeavor. It’s just a misunderstanding of the sport.”

    CJ Penneys ‘19 has been wrestling since fifth grade. He shares, “I don’t think wrestling contradicts Quaker values, because it’s not a violent sport. In fact, I think it’s the opposite. Any wrestling coach will say that when a player goes on the mat, they must show respect for their opponent. Therefore, I think it upholds Quaker values as a non-violent sport.”

   The bottom line is that wrestling upholds Quaker values and the next time you hear somebody claim otherwise, please help to educate them with the wise words of Mr. Fogel and CJ Penneys.