Like it or not, Mr. Cokely is willing to speak his mind and undoubtedly is one of the most adament advocates for positive change to benefit KS Wrestling. I have to concur with him as far as what it will take to take Kansas to that most elite level we can aspire to.

No, it may not be for all, but I would compare it (KSHSAA Guidelines) to the No Child Left Behind. Why in the world should we be advocating more for our bottom feeders and keep wrestling down. It takes that extra work to attain the results of a champion and Mr Cokely I commend you for championing this cause and sticking your neck out.

Wrestling is a sport which pits man vs man and starts on a level playing field unlike size, socio-economic politics, popularity etc that can determine playing time etc in numerous other sports. But what is great is that by being willing to put in that extra work and having adults such as Will go to battle for you to get you some of those extra work such as helping to co-ordinate the Kansas Middle School Nationals and opening up his barn to elite level teaching instructors and voicing loudly what changes he feels will move us forward is of great benefit if folks will get on board as there is strength in numbers and a fight he should not have to endure alone.

Don't get me wrong as I realize that others feel likewise and serve on commitees, brainstorm etc for those changes but playing nice and political will only get you so far and sometimes a strong voice and leadership is necessary. I know the adage you can get more flies with honey but hey lets all be honest we have played "Mr. Nice" and sit idly by long enough and let others dictate/limit capabilities of KS Wrestling, who many of have no genuine connection or even background in this sport yet accept that they know what is best.

I feel that ALL participants regardless of individual success benefit from their individual association with this sport but it is necessary to be fair to those with desire to become ALL they can be to do right by them and this would include many of the proposals Mr. Cokely has voiced.

I will be honest in telling you that for instance it is very hard for someone such as my son whom is fair talent to keep up with those who go to National Tourneys such as Reno or Tulsa, attend Purler, Team Central or Akin Wrestling Academy, Go to Summer Camps such as Granby, Mizzou, Chertow, Oklahoma, Iowa or OSU and do wrestling year round in other styles such as Greco and Free-Style. It is then up to me to be resourceful whether buying cheap videos online, seek out less expensive camps, use the internet for resources etc, take advantage of the pre-National Hays Camp that USAW-KS has helped fund to offset cost, seek out fund-raising opportunities to aid him in at least keeping up with the learning curve if he so desires.

But Nevertheless I strongly feel if one has the ability to be a champion at the highest level possible we as a Kansas Wrestling Community owe it to those young men who put in the blood, sweat and tears, and time and money.