today, my athletic director showed me a letter from a man i have never met. a completely unbiased observer and great fan of the sport of wrestling. i plan on reading his letter to our team at our end of the season banquet tomorrow. his words are appreciated enough that i feel obligated to share it with others from the kansas wrestling community.

thank you Mike Champa.

-Eric DeYoe
DeSoto High School
Head Wrestling Coach
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Roy Hawley
Athletic Director
DeSoto High School

Mr. Hawley,

On March 1, I was in attendance at the 2003 State Wrestling Tournament in Wichita. I am not parent or a school employee. I am just a true fan who loves wrestling and rooting for our Clearwater athletes. Once in a while you see something that just must be noted.

During the 145 pound championship match, Neil Erisman, was the victim very questionable stalling call with 3 seconds left that tied match 1 to 1. During the overtime period, Neil was taken down and lost. This call cost him and DeSoto a State Championship. More often than not, in similar situations throughout the tournament, wrestlers would storm off the mat after a half-hearted hand shake. Their head gear would be flying, while their coaches were nose to nose with the official in disagreement. Although Neil and the coaches were very disappointed their actions at the conclusion of the match showed true sportsmanship.

We listen to the sportsmanship creed before each high school contest and read it on every school's wall. Our sportsmanship as an athlete, coach, or fan is never really tested until we are on the short end of an officials judgment call. Desoto was tested that day and acted in a way we wish we all would. You should be proud of your wrestler and coaches. True Champions.

Mike Champa
Clearwater, KS