For Julius Keyes, a simple ' perhaps expected ' but still valid reason explained his dedication to making the three-hour trip from Cuyahoga Falls on a regular basis to see his son, Quentin, wrestle for Ohio University.
Love of my child
Julius said.
But the quiet and contemplative man on the phone was not the same one often found in The Convo stands during Ohio's home matches.
Julius is an animated and involved spectator during Keyes's matches, often echoing throughout The Convo with encouragement and tactical advice for his son. Quentin, who holds a 9-11 record this season, said he has a tendency to get overhyped on account of his father's behavior on the sidelines, but he added that he felt it had its benefits as well.
Sometimes I'll be too laid back in a match without my dad screaming at me in the background the 133-pound sophomore said. It helps.
The elder Keyes' conduct in the stands stems from his experience as a wrestling coach.
It helps keep (Quentin) motivated
but it also keeps him thinking
Julius said. I just enjoy the sport
and I enjoy coaching.
Quentin's post-game routine begins with a cool-down and then a conversation with Ohio coach Joel Greenlee. Not long after that, Julius will make his way down from the bleachers to share his thoughts on the match with his son.
He'll point out the little things after a match that I need to work on
Keyes said.
The potential for conflicting advice was Greenlee's only concern about heavy parental involvement. But Greenlee added that he and Julius tend to be on the same page, and Greenlee takes a hands-off approach to Quentin's relationship with his father.
It doesn't really bother me
Greenlee said. From what I've heard
(Julius) and I are talking about the same things.
After a match, Julius makes the three-hour drive back home and watches tape around midnight from Quentin's competition that day. Quentin will then get a call from his father with some things to improve upon from that match. Because the Bobcats will often practice on the Saturday following a Friday night match, Quentin said he's able to implement the advice immediately.
In fact, part of Quentin's decision to come to Ohio was its proximity to his hometown. He entertained offers from other Mid-American Conference schools and Atlantic Coastal Conference schools, but Ohio seemed to fit his situation the best.
Most people sign to schools from other states
he said. It was kind of a big deal to sign at (Ohio) because it's so convenient for my dad.
It was a form of repayment after the opportunity that Julius gave to Quentin in his youth. He was born into a wrestling family. Julius wrestled in high school at Warrensville High School and then coached at three high schools at one point or another in the Cleveland area while Quentin was growing up. Quentin's brother, Julius Jr., is a senior wrestler at the University of Toledo, whose matches Julius also attends.
Julius, who will miss Quentin's double-header with North Carolina and West Virginia tomorrow because he'll be watching Julius Jr. at Toledo, said he noticed Quentin's interest in the sport at a young age and began taking him to the high school practices. He became involved with a local youth wrestling program soon afterward.
Usually
kindergarten kids are going outside to play after school
