Many people went about the state championships this past weekend recognizing the blood, sweat, and tears that the wrestlers and coaches displayed in the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Round by Round went by and always present were those in the officiating stripes. Often criticized and rarely praised, these individuals are selected as the best of the best in their line of work and take great pride in making the state tourament like any wrestler or coach would.

While you may disagree with a call, be a boo-bird in thinking your kid got robbed, or just down right not like those in stripes because you were bit by a zebra of the animal kind way back in 5th grade on a field trip to the local zoo, the fact is these people give it their all and are voted on by the coaches as the best.

I have been fortunate in the last 2 years to become close with the officiating crews at the 4a State Tournament and have been priveledged to know many of those honored to be officiating at the other sites. Behind the scenes they are some of the most knowledgeable and down to earth people in the world, a position most people don't have the luxary of seeing in person. To hear those of the stripe talk with pride about their own past wrestling experiences and how they came "so close" back in the day or about a coach that convinced them to give back to the sport in some way is awe inspiring.

So I just want to say in conclusion, to all my friends in the referee's uniform that gave not only their all this weekend but those who gave all season long and continue to give in kid's, freestyle, greco and so on.....THANK YOU!