At the risk of sounding somewhat flippant in my remarks, I'm acutely aware that incoming coach Thompson does not have an abundant supply of "fairy dust" that he can magically sprinkle in the air and immediately produce a "conveyor belt" of National caliber wrestlers, let alone champions - especially in a span of a mere two (2) years. Come'on now!
Most of accept the fact that recruitment at Fort Hays presents its own unique challenges. Same can historically be said for the Wichita State University Baseball Program: when Gene Stephenson inherited this moribund baseball program,he thereafter, "gradually" found a way to allow a "cold-climate" baseball program to morph itself into a nationally recognized program, it amazed alot of us and it resulted in alot of pride for the Wichita community - but it took alot of hard work, dedication, coaching (and recruiting) smarts and, of necessity, some "time".
Now, I'm not predicting that incoming coach Thompson will be our next Gene Stephenson or Bill Snyder - but lets give him this opportunity to see what he can do,without saddling him with any unreal or unfair expectations. Wouldn't you want then same courtesy applied to yourself?
At the risk of sounding somewhat flippant in my remarks, I suggest you become familiar with the facts prior to comparing the Fort Hays State University wrestling program with the Wichita State University baseball program.
Coach Stephenson DID NOT "inherit
ed this moribund baseball program", he built his program from scratch. As you will recall, the WSU baseball program was dropped in 1970 and resurrected by an insightful athletic director named Ted Bredehoft who hired Gene Stephenson in February of 1977. I was proud to be in attendance at the resurrected programs first game against Emporia State University.
I talked with Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke yesterday and let’s just say we don’t agree with how important winning national wrestling titles at FHSU and winning in general is. It’s not his top priority. I believe College athletes should be ran as a business where your measured foremost by winning on the mat, a very close second academics, third how you play the game (respect, class act, role model citizen, etc.), and lastly which all contribute to what I mentioned above recruiting, stability, fundraising,public accptance, (and the tangent of the results you post compared to how much money you don't cost the Athletic Department). The conversation was interesting to say the least and I look forward to talking with Curtis Hammeke, Cody Bickely, and Chas Thompson whether it is for complements, critiquing, or about ideas.
Let it be no secret, I plan on getting a masters degree in Higher Education while training the next four years and I wouldn’t mind having Hammeke’s job at Fort Hays someday. I did tell him how important it was to get more funding to wrestling through the Administration and how easy it would be for FHSU to win a DII national wrestling title with the talent Kansas produces on a yearly basis. I hope receiving phone calls and emails from myself and others will help.
I do not believe anyone associated with Fort Hays State University athletics has been arrested for discharge of a firearm in the city limits or was seen displaying a raised arm and extended middle finger to the fans after a match at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Now, a tough question is why did they choose Chas Thompson over Eric Akin? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Thompson met the requirements! Did Mr. Akin apply for the position?
Does the wonderfully talented and gracious Akin possess the requisite educational degrees? As I recall, he does not.
I will support Coach Thompson short term until proven and would give him a special deal to use me in his camps as my name grows if he so chooses. Building their camps to raise money to supplement coach’s salaries and the program should be a top priority. [b]Now, to all associated to FHSU and Kansas College Wrestling, make it happen and win individual national wrestling and academic championships!
I will support Coach Thompson as he comes from a wonderful Kansas wrestling family and possesses great character, charisma, and a very high energy level.
Congratulations to both Fort Hays State University and Chas Thompson.
