Congrats to Chas Thompson becoming the new wrestling coach at FHSU. Now build this program up into a national powerhouse, and fast. Their should be great improvement in the first two years. (I didn't say win it all but a top 5 finish would be great measuring stick, remember a lot of the wrestlers were recruited by Coach Thompson).
I believe these first two years are very critical to Chas to help with his future recruiting as his personal credentials aren’t going to sell kids to come wrestle at FHSU. I suspect this year’s team will be much improved from last. I am also glad a native Kansan was hired. Another positive is Chas already has a great relationship with the entire athletic department, therefore more dollars thrown wrestling’s way immediately and if not I would think its time to throw more of our trust/money from a investment stand point into Newman.
I talked with Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke yesterday and let’s just say we don’t agree with how important winning national wrestling titles at FHSU and winning in general is. It’s not his top priority. I believe College athletes should be ran as a business where your measured foremost by winning on the mat, a very very close second academics, third how you play the game (respect, class act, role model citizen, etc.), and lastly which all contribute to what I mentioned above recruiting, stability, fundraising,public acceptance, (and the tangent of the results you post compared to how much money you don't cost the Athletic Department). The conversation was interesting to say the least and I look forward to talking with Curtis Hammeke, Cody Bickely, and Chas Thompson whether it is for complements, critiquing, or about ideas.
Let it be no secret, I plan on getting a masters degree in Higher Education while training the next four years and I wouldn’t mind having a Administrative job at Fort Hays someday(or one like it in Kansas). I did tell him how important it was to get more funding to wrestling through the Administration and how easy it would be for FHSU to win a DII national wrestling title with the talent Kansas produces on a yearly basis. I hope receiving phone calls and emails from myself and others will help.
As far as getting a donation from me and others, show some serious progress like producing a national champion in the next two years to generate some real excitement. They also need to design a cool shirt and sell the heck out of it because I would definitely buy one right way and so would many others. I would also like to see and hear about Chas attending Kids and High School wrestling events as much as possible. They need to announce his/and every other college wrestling coaches name every time he enters a gym/arena to watch and recruit. At Kids state every year they need to announce Chas and all college coaches names and they need to have a booth where they all sell shirts and sign camp brochures. I believe this is the best way to gather interest for Kansas college wrestling and it would reach all the elite Kansas wrestlers at one time.

Now, a tough question is why did they choose Chas Thompson over Eric Akin? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense if Eric applied which I am told he did by multiple reliable sources.

A second tough question is what does Chas Thompson bring to the table that Cody Bickley didn’t that will lead to individual national and team championships? And if Administration support at FHSU is the problem how do we fix it? Side note:It’s a fact that Kearney gets 1.6 scholarships a year from the University and they fundraise the rest of the scholarship money given out.

I will support Coach Thompson and would give him a special deal to use me in his FHSU camps as my/if name grows and if he so chooses. Building their camps to raise money to supplement coach’s salaries and the program should be a top priority. Now, to all associated to FHSU and Kansas College Wrestling, make it happen and win individual national wrestling and academic championships!
Sincerely, Eric Luedke
(785) 443-3001
ericlued@hotmail.com

“AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU ARE DEFINED BY WINNING AND LOSING”

That's great news ... congrats Chas!!

Luedke,

I will jump in for Coach Thompson here and give my take on your tough questions.
Question 1. "Now, a tough question is why did they choose Chas Thompson over Eric Akin?
Ike's Answer: Did Eric Akin even put his name in for consideration? Eric Akin lives in the Kansas City area...not exactly Hays, KS. If Eric Akin was offered and did take the job I would guess that it would just be a stepping stone towards another job at another school. Coach Thompson will be a "permanent" hire.

Second Question: A second tough question is what does Chas Thompson bring to the table that Cody Bickley didn’t that will lead to individual national and team championships?
Ike's Answer: I think that Thompson will stay up night and day relentlessly working to make the National Championship happen. He feeds off his passion for wrestling and brings the excitement and drive that is necessary to win. He has many more personal connections to KS coaches as well as the junior college ranks that he will utilize to the fullest.

Third Question: And if Administration support at FHSU is the problem how do we fix it?
Ike's Answer:
Coach Thompson is already putting together a fund raising campaign...expect to see a lot of fundraising out of him. Get involved as you have offered. It's time for all of us that have been critical to be supportive and make it happen. No program is built by one man...but it will be led by one good man. He will need everyones support to make FHSU elite.

I personally agree with your take on priorities from an athletic deparment, but that is another issue. Many of your fundraising ideas are great...I know there will be something in the fall around Black and Gold duel time...plan on it and make it happen.

Another side note...I think your idea that someone needs a lot of accolades as a wrestler to be an elite coach is way off base. It sure doesn't hurt but is by no means a pre-requisite for an elite coach. There are a lot of examples to choose from in our sport and others.

Congrats Coach Thompson!

Ike, nice reply. The junior college connection is a huge assest Coach Thompson brings. Lots of excitement heading into next year. It will be fun to follow. Another question, who takes over at Pratt CC? Also, props to Coach Bickley on leaving the stable full of good talent as he transitioned into his new job. And again, to Coach Thompson on be hired as the new head coach at FHSU.

Luedke,
Where do you come off talking like you are god's gift to wrestling? Sure, after junior college you had a decent D1 career and we are all very proud of you. But you aren't the first all-american to come from kansas. And just because you did ok gives you no right to get on here and talk bad about bickley and thompson. Threatening not to give your support if the program doesnt take off in the first 2 years. Oh no! if fhsu doesnt have your support the only thing that will happen is they will stop getting annoying phone calls from some kid whos head is to big for his shoulders.
>I will support Coach Thompson short term until proven and would give him a special deal to use me in his camps as my name grows if he so chooses.<
So many things about this statement are so arrogant and ignorant...What makes you think he would want you to come put on a camp? And I'm sure your name will grow...after that olympic trials performace the only way you can go is up!
So please do us all a favor and go back to iowa. stop leaving your negative comments about KS collegiate wrestling. Why didnt you apply for the job if you have all the answers? Sorry but thats just how i feel man...your not that special bud and its about time you realized it.

I would just like to wish Chaz all the best. Great person to represent Kansas.
See you soon cuz!!

At the risk of sounding somewhat flippant in my remarks, I'm acutely aware that incoming coach Thompson does not have an abundant supply of "fairy dust" that he can magically sprinkle in the air and immediately produce a "conveyor belt" of National caliber wrestlers, let alone champions - especially in a span of a mere two (2) years. Come'on now!

Most of accept the fact that recruitment at Fort Hays presents its own unique challenges. Same can historically be said for the Wichita State University Baseball Program: when Gene Stephenson inherited this moribund baseball program,he thereafter, "gradually" found a way to allow a "cold-climate" baseball program to morph itself into a nationally recognized program, it amazed alot of us and it resulted in alot of pride for the Wichita community - but it took alot of hard work, dedication, coaching (and recruiting) smarts and, of necessity, some "time".

I'd like to think that the same can be said for Kansas State Football - once infamously (in an article in Sports Illustrated -the specific date of which I cannot recall) was identified as one of the "worst" football programs in the nation, "gradually", morphed itself into a steller program of national prominance. Everyone knows that this took some "time". The reward was special.

Now, I'm not predicting that incoming coach Thompson will be our next Gene Stephenson or Bill Snyder - but lets give him this opportunity to see what he can do,without saddling him with any unreal or unfair expectations. Wouldn't you want then same courtesy applied to yourself?

Yeah, two years really is ridiculous Luedke! You have to at least give a guy four or five years to get a set or two of "his" recruits through from freshman to senior. I can't think of any of the current elite coaches that took over a middle of the pack program and took it to the top in two years. Brands turned around the "good" hawks in a couple years...but they are also perennial powerhouse Iowa and they weren't that far down in the pack either. He didn't do that at Virginia Tech. Can you name any programs that improved that many spots nationally and won a title in two years?...I sure can't think of any. I got faith in Coach T though...it won't be too many years until he gets his.

Luedke, I see that you have edited in a Top 5 finish as the measure of success. I think realistically a team winning titles is really a team putting itself in position to win titles (Top 3-5) while shooting for the title. All the chips (including luck) won't necessarily fall into place to take that title home...or they just might. I think FHSU will be jumping into the top ten within a couple years (maybe next)and huntin' for that title (top five) within five. I don't think it is fair (typically) to start being critical of the job a coach is doing until he has had a realistic amount of time to implement his system and cycle his guys through that system.

This thread needs to go to the college section anyway.

At the risk of sounding somewhat flippant in my remarks, I suggest you become familiar with the facts prior to comparing the Fort Hays State University wrestling program with the Wichita State University baseball program.

Coach Stephenson DID NOT "inherited this moribund baseball program", he built his program from scratch. As you will recall, the WSU baseball program was dropped in 1970 and resurrected by an insightful athletic director named Ted Bredehoft who hired Gene Stephenson in February of 1977. I was proud to be in attendance at the resurrected programs first game against Emporia State University.

I do not believe anyone associated with Fort Hays State University athletics has been arrested for discharge of a firearm in the city limits or was seen displaying a raised arm and extended middle finger to the fans after a match at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Thompson met the requirements! Did Mr. Akin apply for the position?

Does the wonderfully talented and gracious Akin possess the requisite educational degrees? As I recall, he does not.

I will support Coach Thompson as he comes from a wonderful Kansas wrestling family and possesses great character, charisma, and a very high energy level.

Congratulations to both Fort Hays State University and Chas Thompson.

Nice to see you posting again Richard, missed it.

I am going to have to disagree with Luedke with his measuring stick approach. A program is worried about its integrity and public appearance first, not winning. Enron and Barry Bonds, both won at extremely high levels, but we all know how they are viewed publicly. Changing the public view of FHSU wrestling and the University in general is IMO, the largest challenge Coach Thompson faces. If he can convince new recruits that going to college in Hays is a worthwhile venture, then he will be successful. If he cannot change the overall view of FHSU as "Affordable Success" (possibly the worst college slogan ever), in the eyes of potential wrestlers, then he probably will have a hard time winning championships, individual or team.

Mr. Salyer,
You are wrong on both accounts. I was never arrested for the racoon incident. It was a misdemeanor, and I was out line I'll admit. And about flipping off the crowd at OSU??? It never happenend from this guy, I blew a few kisses to our biggest rival after a big individual win. I just wanted to set the record straight. I must add I do enjoy your passion for the sport of wrestling you have and would like to meet you someday. I have read a lot of your updates and posts and your about the only one I have never met.

MYBAD(real name for credibility?),

I do thank god for my talents. We are all gifts from him.

Where do you come off talking like you are god's gift to wrestling? Sure, after junior college you had a decent D1 career and we are all very proud of you. But you aren't the first all-american to come from kansas. And just because you did ok gives you no right to get on here and talk bad about bickley and thompson. Threatening not to give your support if the program doesnt take off in the first 2 years. Oh no!

I haven't ever talked bad about Coach Bickley or Thompson as people and I have never said anything about Coach T's coaching ability. We all have to wait and see. Pratt CC is all we can base his ability off of as the head coach and I don't think that is a good/fair measuring stick.

What makes you think he would want you to come put on a camp? --I won't reply to this but it shows how much you know about wrestling.

If fhsu doesn’t have your support the only thing that will happen is they will stop getting annoying phone calls from some kid who’s head is to big for his shoulders.

As far as me supporting the program, I have about 200 Kansas kids in my camps a summer, plus hundreds more I see at the Iowa Wrestling Camps and across the United States. When they say they might want to wrestle Division II or at Fort Hays what do you think I tell them?

So please do us all a favor and go back to Iowa. Stop leaving your negative comments about KS collegiate wrestling. Why didn’t you apply for the job if you have all the answers? Sorry but that’s just how I feel man...your not that special bud and it’s about time you realized it.

I will go back to Iowa next week because unfortunately Kansas doesn’t have college where I can train for Olympic and World Freestyle wrestling teams. Sorry you interpret my comments as negative. I will not write anything that can remotely be interpreted as negative from this day on (Seriously, I won’t). I am positive everything was about FHSU and not Kansas Collegiate Wrestling.

About being not so special, you are right. I don’t think I am any better than anyone else as a person but I do feel I know college wrestling, have above average collegiate credentials, and have learned form the best in Dan Gable, Tom Brands, and Jim Zalesky.

Hope this pleases you and next time post your name as it adds credibility. All I want is Kansas Colleges to be sucessful in wrestling and felt FHSU was slacking. I am completely done posting on this topic for at least a few years and will call Chas and Cody heal wounds if they exist soon. I hope everybody that I have offended won't hold it against me and understands I was trying to spur change in many ways. We got it in a new coach and a new Assistant AD and the excitement is as high as I have ever witnessed about FHSU wrestling. My posting is over now and I am glad!!!

Sincerely, Eric Luedke

Quite possibly the funniest and most interesting sentence ever posted on this board! Molest one omnivore and you're labeled for life?

Jayhawk Pride,

I have a question about the following that you posted.

Changing the public view of FHSU wrestling and the University in general is IMO, the largest challenge Coach Thompson faces. If he can convince new recruits that going to college in Hays is a worthwhile venture, then he will be successful. If he cannot change the overall view of FHSU as "Affordable Success" (possibly the worst college slogan ever), in the eyes of potential wrestlers, then he probably will have a hard time winning championships, individual or team.

I am curious what the public perception of FHSU really is. I hold 2 degrees from FHSU, live in Ellis county and I am currently employed by the university so my view is construed by being so close to FHSU. I am curious of what the rest of Kansas thinks about FHSU. Not trying to sound defensive, just curious.

Personally I feel that FHSU is the BEST higher education institution in the state and one of the best in the U.S. This perception is not based on athletics, but on the quality of education, caring faculty, technology initiatives, and the Hays community.

Just looking for details about your comment.

Salyer:

Svo69

Salyer:

I've now read your "flippant" and "sarcastic" remarks. For the life of me I really don't understand the need for same. I am familiar with the dismantling of the W.S.U. baseball program as you remarked. I, too was a W.S.U. student during this time period. I had former team-mates who were Shocker Base-ball players on that team.

In my opinion, this does nothing to cause me to redconsider my posted remarks that Gene Stephenson inherited a "moribund" (dictionary definition: "being in a dying condition")baseball program - O.K. Salyer, the program was "Dead" - not "Dying". I'll give you that.

But this ignores the point that I thought that I was obviously making with my post: that we needed to give the incoming FSHU coach some time to create a successful program and not create any pressure to produce extra-ordianry results in in the short-term. But evidently, either I didn't make myself clear, or Salyer didn't "get it" or for some reason unknown to me, wanted to call attention to some "beside the point" comment included in my remarks.

I would not have taken the time to respond to Salyer's needless comments (as I perceived it): other than the fact that I orsdinarily enjoy the give and take of this forum - O.K., probably enjoy more of the "give" than the "take" - But I did resent Salyer's "flippant" and "sarcastic" remarks (as I perceived them) I just wanted Salyer to know that I didn't appreciate it.

I appreciate Eric Luedke's comments. They are pointed at times but one thing they don't lack is passion. His comments about Chas were positive as well as candid toward his expectations. It is clear from all that he wrote on this subject, he cares! I can assure you that Coach Thompson wants to embrace FHSU alumni and especially our homegrown D1 heroes!

It's refreshing to hear one of those heroes speak from his heart. We need more of that instead of less!