Dear Coach G and Iwrestle,
To answer your question: I did not call Coach Bickley to schedule a meeting with him before giving my opinion that a change needs to be made at Fort Hays State University. Coach G, I called my dad and he has lost your number and would definitely enjoy talking to you. I know have moved to Iowa and established residency here but I promise I am a true KANSAN at heart. Iwrestle, I would like to hear your thoughts over the phone as well. You don’t even have to tell me who you are. I have already talked to a few people today and love hearing your thoughts.
Do I think I would make a better/great coach than what they have at FHSU? YES, of course I do. That is a no brainer. Is it a possibility in the near future? No, I plan on going to graduate school at the University of Iowa for Educational Administration and training though the 2012 Olympics.
I felt compelled to start this because the bottom line is FHSU head wrestling Coach Cody Bickley HASN'T GOT THE JOB DONE with the talent he has brought in, which is to win national team/individual wrestling titles while graduating 100%. Not to mention only 13 All-Americans in 8 years!
In regards to what winning on the mat and taking care of business in the classroom can do. Well, I know that as fan, business, or corporation, I would be more willing to donate more money to a team that is making national and state headlines for winning titles and doing something special like winning back-to-back national championships. Plus, when you are on a winning team, and are a national champ/scholar athlete/ all-American. It lasts forever and it would make sense that you would want to donate more/go watch more/and give more support than lets say a non all-American or non-starter. Just look at Kearney and how many former national champs/all-Americans stick around and help out for little to no pay. Or look at how many fans are in the stands at nationals to watch there competitive team compared to how many fans Hays had this year.
As for coaching candidates, who do you think would be the best guy to replace Cody Bickley should he ever leave, or not have his contract renewed?
As for Kansas people I would think would be quality candidates: Trevor Charbonneau, Dennis Charbonneau, Bill Johnson, Mike Garcia, and Joe Renfro.
They all have Division II ties, were solid wrestlers with most winning national titles, and have experience in fundraising. I also believe someone with Kansas roots would be important.
Once again, I am going to email and call Fort Hays State Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke to express my thinking and I encourage you to do the same. His email/phone is: chammeke@fhsu.edu /phone: (785)628-4353.
Sincerely, Eric Luedke
