I often wonder where some of our past wrestling champions are. Recently I learned that Bill Brine from Goddard is now a 1st Lt. and army ranger serving in Iraq.

Bill came to Kansas from Pennsylvania, won two state championships in 5A (160 and 171) and led the Goddard team to a state championship in 1999.

Bill was also the 5A wrestler of the year in 1999 - going un-defeated in the process. He was a Kids State champion, Jr. National Freestyle All-American and academic All-American.

He went back east to wrestle for Lehigh University, easliy won a starting spot after a red-shirt year but suffered a severe ankle injury in the first match of the 2001 season.

Bill attended college on a combination wrestling and army ROTC scholarship and developed a deep interest the army program. He left wrestling in 2002 to focus on his interest in a military career. Always an over-achiever, Bill graduated with honors in mechanical engineering and was a Distinguished Military Graduate; one of a handfull of cadets in the country to be given that award.

He attended the army's infantry officer basic school in Ft. Benning, GA and then graduated from the grueling Ranger School (60% attrition rate) before assuming his first command in S. Korea last spring.

His division was deployed to Iraq in early summer and he has been involved in operations purging insurgents from Ramadi in the Sunni triangle - a very dangerous occupation.

Bill was a great competitor on the mat, a true leader in the community and the consumate warrior. We in the Goddard community are so proud of Bill, thank him for his service, wish him much success and pray for his safe return.

We remember Bill as a fierce competitor, tireless worker and share your wishes for his continued success and safe return - thank you.

Hopefully, we can learn of more of our kids and what they are doing now. I believe Mark Berthot, former champion from Ark City is also in the military - Air Force.

Former Turner wrestler Josh Flamez is also serving in Iraq right now.

We will remember Josh in our prayers!!

GOD BLESS TO ALL OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OVER SEAS

Daniel Smith from Derby, now in Marines, basic training in San Diego. Also known as BuffTiger among others.

I believe that Chris Laid, who went to state a couple of times for Goddard at 145 or so in 98 and 99 is now in pilot training with the U.S. Air Force. Chris was a terrific student, a graduate of KSU and this is quite an accomplishment.