Coach Ben’s Picks: A Must-Read
How to Succeed (and Fail) as a Wrestling Parent
At Bear Cave Wrestling, we believe success is built over time—through the right habits, the right environment, and the right support system. That support system starts at home, which is why Coach Ben strongly recommends How to Succeed (and Fail) as a Wrestling Parent to every wrestling parent.
This book, written by longtime coach Donovan Panone, draws from nearly 30 years of experience coaching wrestlers and parenting his own. Rather than focusing on short-term wins and losses, it teaches parents how to support the process of development—helping wrestlers build confidence, resilience, and ownership over their growth.
One of the book’s core messages aligns closely with what we emphasize at Bear Cave: early results don’t define future success. What matters is how athletes respond to adversity, learn from losses, and take responsibility for improvement. The book also highlights common parent behaviors that can unintentionally undermine confidence, such as constant comparisons, sideline coaching, or avoiding tough competition—and shows practical ways to replace those habits with support that actually helps.
For parents, this book provides clarity on what to say, what not to say, and how to show up at practices and tournaments. For wrestlers, it helps create an environment where effort is valued, challenges are embraced, and long-term growth comes first.
If you’re a Bear Cave parent looking to better support your wrestler’s journey, this is one of Coach Ben’s top recommendations.