I'm hesitant to comment on it, but for one thing -- the root cause of the thread was wrestling, --- so i'll add my .02 cents once more
I didnt wrestle, but i live in Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State --- there are other hotbeds of wrestling out there for sure, - but its so big in this state and at my alma mater, we have the national Wrestling Hall of Fame right on campus
-- so even if you didnt wrestle,you knew someone who did and have probably attended a few meets. Football is king here (most places ) , but curiously enough wrestling is not far behind, at least at OSU, -------- so my remarks in support of wrestling can be interpreted as regional , or cultural
--- regarding groping, - go take a judo class - that is something i know a bit more about, as i studied Aikido and Judo at different time periods -- equivalent groping, just in a different manner. Its also an Olympic sport that kids of all ages participate in
This thread inspired me to talk to my brother about how his old wrestling buddies are doing ---- kind of like Army buddies, they tend to keep track of each other a little bit after the singlets are hung up
Interesting phenomenon -- with all that "groping , hunching over and fondling" - i would've thought you'd have the makings of a pretty big (and physically fit) gay pride parade (kidding

But in all honesty -- , it sounds like there are winners, losers, community leaders and drunks amongst his wrestling brethren , plus plenty of normal dudes just raising a family and going through the motions. If any went gay as a result of the wrestling experience, then they at least have the common courtesy to be keeping it in the closet so far, but with any group, they say that 2-3% may go down that road
I was always impressed with the overall fitness it took to succeed in that sport --- you'd have 130 pound kids bench pressing 250 pounds, and running sub 16 minute 5k's and doing weighted pull ups till they got bored.
You just can't fake fitness like that and i have a ton of respect for the work ethic it takes to get there
As far as wrestling appearing to be over or overtly sexual in appearance -- i would recommend anyone thinking that to look inward and realize that there is not a boner fueld by viagra hiding behind every tree waiting to run out and grab you

But like i mentioned to start my take on this discussion --- i realize that wrestling can be a regional thing too as far as universal support-- so i can almost understand folks not "getting it" as a sport , if they are from areas that it is not as widespread or universally accepted
I'll close it out with 2 pictures ---- What's this? 2 lecherous old pervs about to make out on the beach?


No --- actually its another Army buddy of mine(in the blue hoodie) sparring with his 15 year old kid while enjoying a day at the beach. HE's a very good state level wrestler now -- 'ol dad is like me, he appreciates, but never formally took wrestling, but has participated in plenty of military hand to hand courses i assume (he went the SF route and is based out of Ft Bragg )
I look at that pic and i see a great dad and a well adjusted young man who i hope continues to make good decisions. In addition to wrestling, they are restoring a 70's era Land Cruiser together for the boy's first vehicle --- teaching life lessons along the way , like needing to put a little "sweat equity" into your first ride, instead of just expecting to inherit mom's 4 year old Accord when she gets a new ride