McAllen Rowe's Madsen follows in father's footsteps

McALLEN — McAllen Rowe wrestler Christopher Madsen was somewhat hesitant to jokingly admit his dad could be a little too much at times in regard to their unique father-son relationship.

Probably because his dad stood within the same proximity, hoping the more experienced former wrestler wouldn’t eavesdrop and pin him to the ground. But it could have everything to do with Madsen’s dad serving as his coach for the Warriors wrestling program, one of the Valley’s premiere clubs.

“He always messes around with me,” Madsen lightheartedly said of his dad, Randy Madsen. “He always tries to makes jokes about me.”

But it’s that kind of comical relationship the two share even with them engaging in such a vigorous combat sport. Whether it’s Randy trying to make a joke about his son to his classmates and teammates or teasingly trying to get him in trouble with his teachers, Christopher knows it’s all in good nature.

After all, much of his success during his wrestling career at Rowe is due in large part to his dad, a former captain on the Morehead State wrestling team.

Christopher will be competing in the 145-pound weight class during Saturday’s District 31 meet, a starting point to what he hopes to be a potential consecutive state appearance later this month. Last season, Christopher was the District 31 champion in the same weight class and finished second at the regional meet in San Antonio en route to his state appearance.

Christopher admits being the coach’s son invites great expectations to perform at a superior level and lead by example for a relatively young team.

“You have to do everything right and work really hard so everyone can follow you. You’re kind of like the team leader also,” he said.

But those may be humble words spoken by a true teenager trying to live up to “expectations.”

Randy has no regrets coaching, guiding and most importantly parenting his son throughout his high school career, but he acknowledges the difficulties of it.

“It’s great at times but I think it’s been a little unfair on my son,” Randy said. “(It’s) a lot of added pressure being the coach’s kid and a lot of high expectations for his performances. I know he puts a lot of pressure on himself being the coach’s kid and wanting to do so well.”

To counter, Randy takes a moderate layoff approach to ease the pressure off his son, perhaps the reason why their relationship is as quirky as it is sometimes. Randy had no influence on his son’s decision to join the wrestling team and instead left all options open.

Christopher, by choice, joined his dad on the wrestling mats and has thrived through his teaching thus far. The father-son link in athletics is one that has definitely tested waters, both admit, but in the end Christopher puts it best.

“It’s more like a love and fight relationship,” he said. “But that’s what makes the bond grow.”

Ramiro Paez covers high school sports for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4470 or via e-mail at rpaez@themonitor.com.