Last Monday night I accepted a position in my school as an assistant principal, and I will no longer be the coach of Goddard High School. It was a move made primarily so that I can have a greater opportunity to be around my daughters. As I listen to older coaches, I often hear how much their family sacrificed for their coaching careers. I can coach again, but I'll only get one chance to raise my family. I love coaching wrestling, and I will miss it tremendously. I know the program is in good shape, and GHS wrestling will continue to do very well.

I could never walk away from wrestling completly. I plan on getting a firm grasp on my new job and then finding a new way to help the sport, just not one that is quite as time-consuming. I'd like to help organize an OK/KS border battle, work towards a DI program, or help with the rise in women's wrestling. Heck, I may even throw on the stripes occasionally.

I'd like to thank all of the people that have helped me in the wrestling world and all of you I've shared laughs and stories with. There is no greater community than that of the wrestling family. If it weren't for wrestling, I have no idea where I'd be, but I know my life would not be half as good as it is. I've had coaches like Bobby Stein, Gary Harding, Rueben Montoy, Mike Schauer, Wayne Peterson, Wes Harding and Bob Smith. I hope I've influenced young men in the way they influenced me.

Life-long friends are rare in this world, but most of mine are from wrestling. Some started when I was five, like Mike Bammes, and others began as a coach like Brett Means and Joey Vrana. The greatest friend I have was met at a wrestling tournament; my wife, Kerrie.

I could set here and write all day about the great people I've met, but then I'd leave someone out and feel terrible. So, THANK YOU to all of you! Let's keep this wrestling thing going strong and keep one thing in mind...whatever is best for the sport and the kids involved.

Sincerly,
Ryan Jilka

Good luck, Coach Jilka. The Kansas Krusaders will be waiting for their newest volunteer

Ms. Jenni

Ryan,
Congrats on the new job and I know you will be a great administrator. I would like to say congrats on a great season as well. Good luck as you cross over to the other side(administration) and keep the little people in mind. Take care

Coaching's loss is administration's gain. You'll be great at whatever you do. Hate to see you leave the coaching spot, but at the same time glad to see you put priority on family! Take care and if you need help getting something like a Oklahoma-Kansas Battle going on let me know.

To have an admisitration with the likes of Mr. Jilka is worth its wait in gold to our sport. Goddard will be the envy of coaches all over. Good luck Mr. Jilka and I hope to still see you at taco eating contest!!!

Mike Church Sr.

Congratulations on the new job. I am sure it is a decision you will not regret.

Coach Finkeldei

Will miss teasing Coach on the sidelines. But for some reason, I still expect to see him around the mats as much as ever. Your a good man coach, best of luck in all you do.

Ryan, Thanks for all you have done for my two son's. Now I gotta train a new coach to take all the blame for any future losses my son may have.

Good Luck Coach Jilka

Alex

Congratulations, being an administrator will allow you to help even more people.

Congrats Jilka. It was always good to see you this year. Good luck. I'm sure i'll catch you on the flip-flop.
P.S. I've never posted in here before, so feel honored.
dt

Jilka Maybe Uncle Richard should coach! j/k. Hope all is well.

Congrats Coach Jilka and Good Luck!

Deena

After speaking with some of the wrestlers it appears Jilka may have been forced out. Parents were concerned that the excessive flatulence he created in the wrestling room could become a health concern.

Dang that Taco Shop!

Yes the Moses family has put in many complaints about his smellyness

Yes the Kessler family was also concerned about the constans smell.

Yo JIlka have a great time at your new job and we all expect to see you in the wrestling room every now and then. Me Dusty and the rest of the seniors will do our best to keep the team in the swing of things.

The Moses family has their nerve!!!!!!!!!!! We have gone on road trips with the Moses Family. Remember how Chancey would, "heat it up"?

The Edison Family

We have never smells anything as vile as a Moses.

You've never been around the Swayz when I've had Chemo Farts.