This has been on my heart for a couple of days. When I heard about the situation of S.T. having to forfeit to the Shawnee Heights wrestler it really did not impact me originally.

However,I watched this young man have to walk up to the mat and watch someone else get their hand raised and it was 100% out of his control. This was followed up by this young man who I know is a "FULL TIME WRESTLER" break emotionally with tears flowing uncontrollably.

As he walked by, I could only feel 100% pain for this young man but more, I was proud of him. He does not wrestle for me. He has no clue who I am if I walked up to him in the street. We have never had a conversation. However, I could only take a second and #1 pray for him and then wait to see how he responded.

A lot lesser young man would have just folded up shop. However, this young man rolled off 5 straight wins without surrender a single point the rest of the tournament. Now, not only does he have a great testimony of his faith and the extent he will go to glorify his father in heaven, but he also had enough character to finish strong.

I am not posting this to be a salesman for SJA or its team. I'm the Wichita Heights Head Coach. I am only posting this b/c I wanted this young man, his family and the wrestling community to know that this is truly a young man who faced an obstacle and defeated it with class on the mat!

Nice tournament buddy and good luck to you in the future.

Please don't hijack this thread by bashing the girl, either team or the situation. Just let it be or do it somewhere else. This is about the kid.

The last three years I have worked the 2 day USA wrestling tournament at St. James. With everything that is said on this forum I wasn't sure what to expect from the kids who were working the tables. Say what you want but I have the utmost respect for the kids. I actually reffed with Stephen and his brother this year. They are good people. Really enjoy being around them at the tournament. Not to leave out any of the kids, but I watched Matt Pratt get his tail kicked many times when he was young. He has busted his tail to get where he is and is still the same goofy little kid that I remember at the tournaments. Congrats to SJA and their kids!

Very well said Mike Church!

1st class kid

Great post Coach.

Sometimes an athlete is not only judged by their acomplishments but how they conduct themselves as a person. I was not at the 5a championships, but it sounds like Mr. Tujaque showed some impressive class on and off of the mat. Congrats on a great season and tournament.

Lance Geyer

My wife and I were fortunate to be able to sit with and be a part of the SJA families and team this last weekend. I cannot express how impressed I am with how Stephen handled the situation he was presented with. His character is a direct reflection of his family and Coach Medina. The entire team including the coaches and families are an example other programs should follow. Thank you Coach Church for posting your thoughts.
Brian Schumacher

Right on Church. Solid post about a great kid.

God has big plans for Stephen Tujague!

Due this post I will now refrain from yelling "Sit down Church" when he is coaching in the corner. Best post of the 2014 Post State Tournament postings. Maybe of the year. Thank you for recognizing Steve's pain and recovery. He is a good kid who sacrifices and dedicates. He is not perfect but he wants to be. I too was very sad and very proud of him.

Was it last year or two years ago a similar situation made national headlines. I don't remember how the kid handled it but I can't imagine he handled it with any more class. Never heard a peep about it and from the sounds of it he went about his business and made the best out of the situation. Alot of adults should learn this lesson. Congrats.

Coach Church is spot on! This is one great kid. My son Will Spexarth had never seen Stephen until Bashoer. He beat us 8-3. After the tournament they got to talking and became "twitter" friends. We would of had him in the quarters, but what transpired, gave us Payton. We lost in the semis, and faced him on the back and lost 3-0. After the tournament I talked with Stephen and have the utmost respect for this kid. He is a CLASS act, and that's hard to come by these days. As a parent what is more, important is the friendship they build thought out the year. WARRIORS ON THE MAT, FRIENDS OFF THE MAT! Way to go Stephen, no point against you out the backside, proved you are a true champion.

I had the fortune of seeing Stephen wrestle in the practice room when he was eight years old. I knew at that he was a special, gifted and hard working wrestler. It didn't hurt that he was very well behaved, especially for an eight year old.

Thank you all for your kind words. It means more than you know to Stephen and our whole family! We are blessed to be a part of
this wrestling community. We are so grateful for the friends that our wrestlers and we as parents make through the years. We look forward to seeing you all in the stands and on the mat in the coming years. Thanks so much again!

Jerry, you have all the reason in the world to be proud of both those boys (among the others) and how they conduct themselves. Great kids and I am rootin' for Stephen (as well as his brother if he keeps going) to have the good fortune to stay healthy and good luck to avoid the draw!

Troy Gooch

I think this is one of Stephen's new sports. The guy in the video must have given him some archery lessons. I heard this from a reliable source.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4OGiRP_dFY

The entire family - good people period.

Stephen what an amazing testament to your faith and your character!! Congratulations Champ!!!