Shark Bait is a psychological sports fiction story that examines the cognitive struggle of what a high school senior wrestler is thinking before, during, and after matches throughout the course of the season. Effort never guarantees victory. So, the gamble is to endure another brutal season while qualifying for the State tournament is not guaranteed. The alternative is to quit beforehand, and thus not feel the agony of the season, but forever live with the regret of not trying. While battling inner self-doubt, the wrestler reflects on the season and goes through previous matches and tournaments to better understand why the inner voice is so antagonistic. Between matches, during practice, when unable to sleep at night, the inner voice of self-doubt never wanes. Still wanting to qualify for the State tournament, the wrestler also fears the demands and sacrifice that are required during wrestling season; especially since victory is never guaranteed no matter how much effort is given. So, when reflecting on the season as it progresses, the wrestler endures a cerebral struggle between humility and pride, aware that the inner voice is only there to antagonize. The real challenge is overcoming oneself and not quitting, because losing within and giving up is the only true failure.