Just a thought…Shouldn’t we all congratulate the State Qualifiers for an outstanding year no matter how they do this weekend? I want to see our kids all do great this weekend. But I for one am extremely proud of the effort and level of wrestling and sportsmanship on display at District’s this year.

As coaches and parents we need to let those who didn’t make it know how much we appreciate their hard work throughout the year. For those who did make it, we need to remind them to represent their clubs with pride and sportsmanship.

Coaches are creative in celebrating their clubs success; I was able to witness one coach getting his head shaved by the kids because they exceeded their goal of 20 wrestlers qualifying for states.

I know there is one coach out there that will be proud to bring 26 wrestlers states, although he might just be wearing a hat.

Great job to Kansas’ wrestlers! The future of Kansas wrestling is bright.

Spartacus

Great posts. Up until I read these I thought I would be disappointed if my son got anything but first this weekend, but now I realize I am proud of him and thankful to the partners and coaches he has had to get here. I think when your wrestler wins most tournaments and is last year's state champ, the parents and coaches can get a little greedy and forget about how hard they have had to work to get to the State Championship. Going up an age bracket, over coming an injury, giving up time with friends and burn out. I know not all wrestles deal with these issues, but they are out there. Congratulations to all of those who not only made it to state, but to thoses who have helped them get there.

My son has been one of those kids that didn't make it past subs this year, but has been going to every practice since to help his friend, who made it to state. I am even more proud of him for offering and doing that, than I am for the tremendous effort he put out this year. I know by watching what he does now that he will be an awesome parent and mentor later in life.

Great post Spartacus!!!

I was very proud of our wrestlers this year, and especially these last few weeks. They all worked their tails off to get better. Most did not make it through, but they managed to win a match or 2 along the way.

On a personal note, both of my boys made it through Subs, and were 1 match away from making it to State this year. (last year they both went 2 and out at Subs) I am so proud of them (even more so when they both asked "when does Freestyle start?")

To EVERY wrestler that stepped out on the mat, showed up at practice, and continued to improve their skills and knowledge of wrestling, I salute you! Keep up the hard work and the "hardware" will follow.

Martialartswrestler,
I couldnt agree more,last year our son was a practice partner for kids moving on to state after coming one match short at districts.This year he is going to state.It just goes to show what hard work and commitment can accomplish.Its a great feeling to see your kid achieve a goal.Good luck to all moving on and good luck next year to those who are not!
Jon Murray
Parsons Wrestling

I like the idea of the coach shaving his head - STA qualified 22 kids this year - how about it smokeycabin - shave your head for our club? We better first check with Mrs. smokeycabin - but I have a good set of razors! :p

Congratulations on all the STA kids - and KS Kids - and have a great time this weekend.

Martialartswrestler...

Thanks for the positive comments on wrestler's who continue to practice with their partners even though they themselves may not have qualified for states. That is a true champion, the ones who will sweat it out on the mat to help their buddies get ready for states.

Donnie and Dave...

Tell your kids to keep working hard, to be proud of their accomplishments this year! We'll all be looking for them next year at States.

On a personal note...my son wrestled 2 consecutive years into District, only to be knocked out one match shy of states as well. Last year I was deployed during Subs and Districts and my wife has jokingly kidded me that he couldn't focus so it was my fault he didn't make it. This year I am proud to say he won Subs and won Districts. No matter how he does, medal or not, I am EXTREMELY proud of him and the effort he puts in. He isn't the best wrestler or even close to it on our club, but he has heart and wants to win...and for that I am thankful to be here to see him out there battling.

Murray and WrestlingParents...

Good luck to your son's at State. May this weekend both wrestle their very best!

TyphoidMary...

Great Screen Name...wise idea to check with Smokey's wrestling partner first!

Good luck to all your wrestler's this weekend.

Spartacus

Wonderful post and points made Spartacus. Our club was smaller this year and will only advance 9 kids to state. We are so proud of all of them though and also that pride definately extends to those who stayed out to help the qualifers get ready. They will be contenders in the future. If not at a state wrestling tourney in life.

My son is only 4yrs old he made it all the way to sub districts in the 46lbs lb bracket He has far exceeded my expectations of him I very proud of him and a coach and a coaching staff to have the patience with him I know it wasnt easy.

After reading some very petty posts, I was delighted to read this extremely refreshing, meaningful one. My hat is off to you & to the other positive responses. Congratulations to all of the wrestlers this year, whether they won,lost or just helped their mates and teams. Best of luck to all who will be competing at Topeka this weekend. I expect a lot of very good and close contests.

Spartacus, what a great job by virtually all of the kids this last weekend. Thankfully, most of them haven't learned everything from their parents. To all the kids who placed and those that didn't place great job this year. To those that didn't get to the show, work hard this summer and you can get there next year. It was worth it! I hope that the clubs, parents, and kids can wind down a little and enjoy the accomplishments of all in the practice rooms this year, it was truly exciting, and I believe there are a lot of better young men, women and adults because of the great sport of wrestling. One final note, great job to the tournament organizers, as a whole a wonderful tournament and great organization.

Thanks Mike.

I am extremely proud of the kids from Derby. I know they would all love to have brought home first place placques, but for the ones who didn't I am still very proud of them.

For my son...to wrestle 3 OT matches (2 double OT) after losing on the winners side 2-1, and wrestle back and take fourth....well it was AWESOME.

Thanks to the other Derby Coaches who put in sooo much personal time to get our kids ready to wrestle. I am truly impressed with you all.

Spartacus