Dear Kansas wrestling Family,

I was able to attend the Division II National tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this year. I enjoyed watching my former Team Kansas members wrestle, and especially win. Congrats to the 7 Division II All All-Americans and 2x national champion Cody Garcia.

I must say I was very disappointed in the performance cashed in by Fort Hays State. So disappointed, I felt compelled to start a topic that will be interpreted as negative by some. I am giving my opinion and pointing out a few disturbing facts.
Fort Hays State is supposed to be the premier program of our state. They have a very solid recruiting base as Kansas is a very strong wrestling state. I know they only get like 4.5 or 5.5 scholarships to work with from the school, but that they can/could raise the money to give up to 9.9.

Regardless of the number of scholarships; it’s a fact that FHSU and coach Bickley gets decent talent every year and fails horribly at developing it. It’s a fact that because of the track record head coach Cody Bickley has established that FHSU loses a great amount of Division II Kansas talent to other, local out of state Division II colleges like: Central Oklahoma, Nebraska-Kearney, and Nebraska-Omaha. This is because they compete for team titles and crown individual champions almost every year.

Honestly, these schools coaches have just proven they are better. They are more way more credentialed as coaches and were way more accomplished more as wrestlers then Bickley.

After 8 years you would think that coach Bickley would have built a top notch wrestling program with the Kansas talent he has to work with. Well, he hasn’t! He has coached only 13 All-Americans in 8 years! And No NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
This year they had only four national qualifiers and one All-American. Under head coach Cody Bickley, the Tigers have finished: 21st, 24th, 10th, 22nd, 11th, 14th, and 24th, for an average team placing of 18th place. There are currently only 44 Division II college wrestling teams.

I don’t know Coach Bickley on a personal level. I am sure he has fine morals and is a great man, but believe he hasn’t done a good job at FSHU based on results on the mat. I believe they have done a good job academically under Bickley. Well, why not have a coach that dominates in both areas? A coach, that completely follows the rules and finds a way to get his athletes to dominate the competition in every aspect of the sport: mentally, physically, nutrition wise, technically, spiritually, emotionally, and academically. Someone that puts a product on the mat that is entertaining to watch and fills the stands with people excited to watch great wrestling. It can be done! I’ve seen it first hand built from the bottom up! (In, Division II just look to the North).

As an Ambassador/Athlete of the sport and Kansas Wrestling, I believe its time for a coaching change at Fort Hays State University! A change that would be beneficial to all of Kansas Wrestling. Everyone wants Division I program when we can’t annually field a dominant Division II wrestling team. Maybe, if FHSU rattled off 5 consecutive Division II national team titles the schools President would apply for Division I eligibility to be like Edinboro and Clarion Universities.

The bottom line is FHSU head wrestling coach Cody Bickley HASN'T GOT THE JOB DONE which is to win national team/individual wrestling titles while graduating 100% of the kids he brings in and he hasn't been close to accomplishing this. There are many great/better candidates to replace Coach Bickley living and coaching in Kansas right now. I am writing an email and calling Fort Hays State Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke to express my thinking and encourage you to do the same. His email/phone is: chammeke@fhsu.edu /phone :(785)628-4353.

Sincerely, Eric Luedke

Where should they start looking? Who do you think they could get?

I'm glad Mr. Luedke has all the solutions. Maybe he can coach the tigers to a National Title next year!

Eric,

As one of the great success stories from Kansas, I am very interested in hearing your views on how to develop and improve on the collegiate wrestling opportunities in Kansas. However, in this case I feel I’m going to have to disagree with you.

As you know, there are several responsibilities that come with the head coaching position in an collegiate program. In the areas of academics Coach Bickley has done a phenomenal job, which you have already acknowledged. As an ambassador for our state and our sport I can attest that he has been invaluable.

My principal concern is that your post alleges shortcomings in Coach Bickley’s coaching ability based on current and prior accomplishments at the national championships. I think that Cody is building the program in the right way, and those individual and team titles are coming. Part of the problem that FHSU encounters is the same reason that you give in questioning their results … we are surrounded by DII programs with solid winning traditions that draw some of our better wrestlers such as Cody Garcia. These are good programs with good coaches, so it’s easy to understand why they would attract so many of our top wrestlers and why FHSU has to fight hard to attract and keep Kansas kids here at home.

As you stated, FHSU is supposed to be the premier program for our state and, as such, must hold itself to a high standard throughout the year, not just at the national championships. In this respect I believe that Coach Bickley has given us a program that we can be proud of and that we can confidently send our sons to. He has assembled a very good group of young men and has instilled a good work ethic in them. It’s not that I am discounting the importance of succeeding on the mat at the end of the season, but I think that it’s equally important how you get there. Ultimately, I think FHSU and its wrestlers will rise to the top with Coach Bickley leading the way.

First off, Eric - you have an extreme passion for wrestling. That's very evident. You're a former Western Kansas wrestler who wants to see Western Kansas high school and college wrestling succeed. Quite frankly, you bring up some very valid points. However, a "can the coach" mentality is certainly not the answer.

I handle the public address and announce duties for Tiger Wrestling. I'd like to think I'm close to the program. We all have high expectations for FHSU wrestling. Coach Bickley would be the first to tell you those expectations were not met this year. Fort Hays, like any program, has wrestlers who have not performed well and others who surprised us at Qualifying and National time. Is Coach Bickley an inept coach? I don't think so.

What has Cody accomplished at Fort Hays? Earlier this year, he bacame the all-time winningest dual coach in Fort Hays history. Not a big deal? I think dual record, in addition to tournament success proves a lot about a coach's ability. I agree, though, it would be nice to see more success at the National level. Cody has also helped turn Fort Hays wrestling into an event. I think you'd be hard pressed to find many better D-2 wrestling atmospheres than Fort Hays. I don't know if wrestling matters at most D-2 schools. It matters at Fort Hays.

I'm disappointed when a wrestler chooses Kearney, UNO or Central Oklahoma over Fort Hays - especially a Kansas prep. It's tough to recruit against the best schools in the nation. But that's an ongoing battle with any sport at any level. I hope Fort Hays will be in that class soon. I guess the answer is to keep plugging away, recruit hard, and instill staying fairly close to home and being a part of a (hopefully) up and coming National power.

Again, I think simply getting rid of the coach is a "quick trigger finger" move. Cody has done well. But I agree - it's time to do better. Let's see Fort Hays climb the ranks of the most successfull D-2 programs in the country. You know what I love about wrestling? Fans like Eric have passion. You don't get this with cross country, track or tennis.

eric,

Did you have the courage to schedule a face to face meeting with Coach Bickley prior to your post?

Everybody has an opinion. Most of us, wish most of you with opinions, would keep your opinions to yourself.

I for one, will contact, Fort Hays State Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke. I assure you, it will be to thank him and Coach Bickley for their efforts.

And, without the use of this this forum, will ensure Curtis hears from the real Kansas Wrestling Families.

Sincerely, we have an opinion too.

??? speak for yourself, I am on this forum to read others opinions & give mine like I just did.

Right or Wrong, Eric had the courage to sign his name to his post. Did You?

Eric, as a coach, I always appreciated somebody involved, or interested in my program calling me if there was a problem. Pick up the phone and call Cody, I am sure you can help with the solution. PM me and I will give you his number. As for the atmosphere, I caught a dual this year and it was great. Large crowd, good announcer, music, spotlight, and the good guys won! Things are in place the interest is there. Get involved!
Coach LaMar

I am glad to hear some positives from you FHSU supporters. Throwing money out of the equation, Coach Bickley does get some quality talent and they haven’t had a single national champion. As far as hiring a coach, your right that it would take at least a $50,000 package between coaching and teaching a class or to hire a top notch coach. Regardless, FHSU perennially under performs at the national tournament. If you are ok with the job he has done, don’t contact their A.D. except to donate money to the program, which I encourage you to do. I for one live by a high standard where winning at everything (academics, and on the mat) is a must and would not call to congratulate them. Eight years seems long enough to build a solid program that competes for national titles. Change can be a good thing!
As for getting involved, I live in Iowa City and can't make it to their duals. I watched some of their matches at nationals and follow them online. I wrestled with/against guys like Danny Grater, Phil Hart, Josh P., Kyle Patton, Eric Johnson, Bryce Bahe, Shawn Drennan, and Jacob Strait. How have they ended up academically? What did they accomplish on the mat? Did they over achieve based on their credentials out of high school?
As for Kansas people I would think would be quality candidates: Trevor Charbonneau, Dennis Charbonneau, Bryce Abbey, Mike Garcia, and Joe Renfro. They all have Division II ties, were solid wrestlers with most winning national titles, and have experience in fundraising. I also believe someone with Kansas roots would be important.

Sincerely, Eric Luedke

ericlued@hotmail.com
(785) 443-3001

Did you? Let me go real slow. NO


Did we get an answer yet to?

Did you have the courage to schedule a face to face meeting with Coach Bickley prior to your post?

Chad Beeson...I know the Beeson probably threw you. Now my part of the introduction is complete. You would be? Courage takes awhile for some to muster...take your time.

I don't have a beef with Coach Bickley. Just hypocrites that won't sign their names. Do you think that everyone that posts on this forum needs to have a face to face meeting with Coach Bickley?

Welcome back.

No, everybody that posts on this column does not have to have a face to face; just the ones who have the courage to publically bash the individual. Nor, do I think everybody that posts on this forum has to sign their name. geez - get over it pal.

Have we got an answer yet?

Have you got your courage yet?

You know, I visited the tin man and he gave me his heart.

I just haven't had the time to visit the cowardly lion yet. But, when I do, I hope he will give me his courage.

Do you want the address for the scare crow? I think he has something for you.

Don't look; it's not there.

tell eric to click his heels two times and follow the yellow brick road.

Had to chime in on this one. First off, Eric Luedke really has no reason to care about FHSU. But, HE DOES. 1wrestle, I am with Beeson, a name on your post is only the right thing to do, it takes courage. Do you have any? If so POST YOUR NAME. I feel that Eric has got the job done and is still working at it. Start watching the results of the future Olympians. My money is on him. With the track shoes or not.

I know Eric personally and have had him stay at my house with my family for a week. I will tell you this, he KNOWS what it takes to get things done. One of the finest young men to EVER wrestle in Kansas. The best thing about Eric is that he cares about the kids in Kansas. Not just the older kids, He calls and texts numerous youth kids from the age of 7 to 15. After getting to really know him it is hard not to respect his opinions.

I went to a dual at FHSU this year with my son and with a HS wrestler that is being looked at by D1 schools. I left there looking at my son listening to him say "Those guys need help in the room". He and the HS kid were both commenting on the technical flaws. These are things that are up to the coach. Little things. Mainly attitude and swagger. The stands were empty. It was sickening. I wanted to take him to an event to see what the next level is all about. He and I both were disappointed.

The most exciting thing about the dual was the match of the 2 youth wrestlers from Hays Wrestling Club. Not taking anything away from the the FHSU wrestlers but they are getting short changed. I have talked to former FHSU wrestlers and current wrestlers. They are not happy with Bickley either.

Glad you found the time to chime in. Good to hear from you.

Maybe your son and the D1 HS wrestler should consider FHSU. Sounds as if they could help out in the room. As we have heard, having better kids in the room would be a great asset. Maybe, one day FHSU wrestlers could be practicing with the best as well.

What do you say? Want to help out?

By the way, do you know Bickley, personally to?

I don't know, personally, Eric or Cody but I admire both. Eric for his courage to state his opinion and back it up with facts. Cody for taking a job that has its share of challenges and succeeding in most aspects. I am going to put myself on a side of this arguement and I am going to say that if we were talking about a hoops coach at either of the three D1 schools in Kansas Eric's post would have been mild when compared to what would be getting written in the newspapers and talked about on the radio. When Roy was coaching at KU he would annually get skewered for "not being able to win the big one." Many, many people with NO credentials to back their opinion would attack Coach Williams. Eric has credentials and facts to back his claim. When you are a professional coach in the college arena it is win or move on. I know I would be looking at the ability of a coach to take my kid to the next level if it were time to pick a school to go to. In my opinion I thought that Danny Grater would be an NCAA D1 All American and possibly even a champion. When I saw that he was going to Ft. Hays I just figured he would dominate the D2 competition. It takes a lot of things to be a college coach and Cody obviously has most of them. That makes him a good coach but not a great coach. You have to WIN to be great. Obviously Eric feels we need FHSU to be a great program not just a good one. Maybe Curtis and most of the wrestling community is satisfied with a good program. Be thankful for Eric's passion and his willingness to spur change. And I guess we should all be thankful that we even have a four year program to be talking about!

It was only a matter of time before we heard from you Will. You are right on queue. Thanks for the insights.

Since you and eric seem to have questions concerning Danny Grater, Phil Hart, Josh P., Kyle Patton, Eric Johnson, Bryce Bahe, Shawn Drennan, and Jacob Strait. Why don't you call them and post your discussion with them for all of us.

I'm sure Danny will share your opinion and thoughts about him. In fact, he will probably concur that his coach, who he chose, is the reason he is not dominating the D11 competition. It has nothing to do with being young.

Bottom line: Coach is on the right track. He has a talented group of YOUNG wrestlers who work hard and will have the opportunity to mature and compete in a couple of years.

When your school generates the interest and attracks the majority of the wrestlers, you usually have a better chance of being a great coach.

"Only in America is a Svo69 allowed to waste good oxygen and tarnish the freedom of speech. Is Svo69 is slang for moron?

Mr. Johnson, you are correct. The Kansas Team has an excellent opportunity this year. Hopefully, Detmer, Arnold, Caldwell, Flynn, Fisher, too mention a few, will continue to represent Kansas.

Excellent post Mr. William.

Svo69, Prior to defaulting, Fisher approached Carrolls' section of the auditoruim. Walked up the stairs and conversed with Mr. Detmer. Fisher is a class act." 1wrestle

This is the only other post you have put on this forum outside of your dribble on TIME FOR A COACHING CHANGE. Just another attack on a poster...

"Right on queue" What is that supposed to mean? I don't need to call anyone as the facts speak for themselves. I don't really care if they get a new coach or not. I just back Eric for having an opinion and for backing it up with facts. FHSU has to decide whether they want a good program or if they make a change to become a GREAT program. Eight years is long enough to determine whether or not the present program has a chance to ascend to greatness or stay in the middle of pack. I will support the program and school either way. I figure Coach Bickley is doing the best he can and there probably are several factors that contribute to the present status of mediocrity. That status will not be different unless there is change. Maybe the coach maybe something else but there will not be improvement without change.