Luedke,

I will jump in for Coach Thompson here and give my take on your tough questions.
Question 1. "Now, a tough question is why did they choose Chas Thompson over Eric Akin?
Ike's Answer: Did Eric Akin even put his name in for consideration? Eric Akin lives in the Kansas City area...not exactly Hays, KS. If Eric Akin was offered and did take the job I would guess that it would just be a stepping stone towards another job at another school. Coach Thompson will be a "permanent" hire.

Second Question: A second tough question is what does Chas Thompson bring to the table that Cody Bickley didn’t that will lead to individual national and team championships?
Ike's Answer: I think that Thompson will stay up night and day relentlessly working to make the National Championship happen. He feeds off his passion for wrestling and brings the excitement and drive that is necessary to win. He has many more personal connections to KS coaches as well as the junior college ranks that he will utilize to the fullest.

Third Question: And if Administration support at FHSU is the problem how do we fix it?
Ike's Answer:
Coach Thompson is already putting together a fund raising campaign...expect to see a lot of fundraising out of him. Get involved as you have offered. It's time for all of us that have been critical to be supportive and make it happen. No program is built by one man...but it will be led by one good man. He will need everyones support to make FHSU elite.

I personally agree with your take on priorities from an athletic deparment, but that is another issue. Many of your fundraising ideas are great...I know there will be something in the fall around Black and Gold duel time...plan on it and make it happen.

Another side note...I think your idea that someone needs a lot of accolades as a wrestler to be an elite coach is way off base. It sure doesn't hurt but is by no means a pre-requisite for an elite coach. There are a lot of examples to choose from in our sport and others.

Congrats Coach Thompson!