Mental toughness is defined as a measure of individual resilience and confidence that may predict success in sport, education and the workplace.It’s the type of mindset Adel-Desoto-Minburn Tigers first-year head wrestling coach Chris Hatchitt is trying to instill in his student-athletes. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network caught up with Hatchitt last week to discuss storylines from the first several practices of the season. He spoke on the importance of making his student-athletes mentally tough.

“If you can, you will. If you can’t, you won’t, “Hatchitt said, “See it, do it, be it, say it, believe it. Those aren’t just words; those are ways you live your life. If you believe in yourself and you get punched in the face, and you don’t quit. You fall down and you have the fortitude to get back up, you’ll be successful.”

Hatchitt adds having a tough mental mindset can help his student-athletes with challenges off the mat later in life as well. ADM’s wrestlers will continue practice this afternoon as they gear up for their season opener Thursday. The Tigers host No. 2 Ballard and North Polk in a triangular dual at ADM High School.