Wrestling and business typically aren’t words you’ll find in the same sentence in the business world. But the reality is that the world’s oldest sport produces many of the smartest, hardest working, gritty professionals the business world could ever hope to employ. And that’s true both for men and women (who represent the fastest growing part of the sport). Now, I’m not talking about the WWE with characters, theme music and capes; I’m talking about real wrestling; high school, collegiate and Olympic.

I had the privilege last weekend of visiting with the University of Missouri Wrestling team in Columbia, and being a guest honorary coach at the team’s dual meet with South Dakota State University (SDSU). Coach Brian Smith, who has built an amazing nationally-recognized program, invited me to share a few thoughts about what I learned through wrestling (in my high school and college days) that became foundational for my growth as a 30-year executive in corporate communications.

I shared six lessons I’d learned with an outstanding, driven team of young men who had competed against the University of Oklahoma the night before, ridden all night on a bus back to Columbia, MO, went to their classes and now were in the practice room to prepare for the next day’s match against SDSU. They sat fully attentive, respectful and appreciative of a visitor to their wrestling room.

My message included six things I learned from wrestling that I used in my career as a professional communicator: to develop a hip-pocket skill that they’d use to show what they’re best at, and commit to keep getting better at it; owning their own growth and development; bringing outside perspective in to balance with internal knowledge and best practices; owning their mistakes, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel at the time; constantly calibrating their moral compasses to make the right decisions the right way; and passing their gifts and experiences through wrestling on to others. I had specific stories reflecting my own lessons from wrestling — paired with experiences that defined growth through much of my career.

Passing it on is exactly what I was focused on doing in my visit with the team. While I still compete at a tourney or two each year, I’ve spent increasing amounts of my time coaching two local youth wrestling organizations, and developing deeper coaching abilities through certification from USA Wrestling, where I completed silver-level certification last year. I’ve also partnered with GPS Wrestling to develop a master’s program for other athletes over the age of 18 (okay, I’m way over 18) find a home to continue or learn wrestling. Just two weeks into our program, we have over 30 on our roster.

But the most important lesson that I (re)-learned last weekend, is how deserving wrestlers are. As tired as they were, the vast majority sought me out after practice to shake my hand and tell me “thank you” for spending the time with them, and sharing my thoughts. Now, I’m sure many readers would offer the same endorsement for other kinds of athletes, and I’m sure they’re worthy, too. But I have a special place in my heart for men and women who choose this particular sport.

I spent many years listening to people who didn’t know me well  — or the sport. Not all, but many assumed I was a dumb brute who liked to beat people up. Nothing was farther from the truth; it was the challenge that drew me to wrestling — to do something that I believed was the hardest thing I could attack with mind, body and soul.

I can say without question that wrestlers are among the smartest, most humble athletes I’ve ever encountered. In the Mizzou wrestling room, there were nuclear medicine students, industrial engineers and future journalists, among others. They balance the rigors of demanding studies with the physical and mental demands of a sport that I liken to playing physical chess on steroids — playing offense and defense in the same split second. They rely on themselves alone on the mat, but work with the support and endless hours of training from their coaches, trainers and teammates.

Quick thinkers, advanced problem solvers, disciplined athletes, competitive strategists, constant learners, and committed team players (yes, even in an individual sport, they train and compete as a team). That’s a pretty powerful set of capabilities that any employer can put to tremendous use.

I’ll get off my soap box on why anyone would be wise to hire a wrestler, but I’m certain anyone lucky enough to get a real wrestler as an applicant can figure that out pretty quickly on their own.

So consider this a friendly public service reminder in the war for great talent. Pin this on your bulletin board. You’re going to be a winner. #Tigerstyle