... is not what this post is about, but it got your attention. Not much is written on here about the incredibly good things we see at these tournaments and throughout the season. Because of space limitations, I want to point out just a couple examples of human greatness I've witnessed.

*I've seen kids with dads that have passed away or are deployed overseas carry on like men
*I've seen kids overcome their own fear to gain self confidence
*I've seen trash talkers humbled and actually change
*I've seen kids overcome physical limitations and push past any reasonable expectations
*I've seen a kid lose a championship match this weekend and watched his dad pick him up in his arms and tell him he loves him no matter what - that was beautiful and what I wish every kid could feel from their dad - that made a huge impmression on me

This sport brings out what's inside ... I saw alot of good this year and this past weekend ... just look for it - it's there!

Thank god that people can actually say something about the good that comes from wrestling!!

Best post I have read since getting home from topeka

I have to agree. My son wrestled in the finals against Devin Onwugbufor (8 and under 64). My son lost by one point. Tough match to lose. I want to say that both Devin and his Dad, as well as the Maize coaches, were a class act. It was nice to go up against such a good wrestler, and such good Sports in the finals. Hope to see you next year.

Mike Thomas
Scott City

GREAT JOB JON! Lets ADD to this thread. Good things that you have seen in our great sport. I'll add just as soon as one comes to my old memory! ;-)

I guess just to over-generalize and get a tad off topic - Cael Sanderson. Always a humble winner. Never saw him lose, but I imagine if it did happen - he'd take that well to.

Wow! jon that was good!

Robles and Kansas's own Roy Jones for over-coming great obstacles and being classy people!

*I've seen kids and Parents become the best of friends Joe Pratt

I have seen my oldest one grow from a boy into a man under his dad's coaching.

I saw a child that lost in the championship match and still give his opponent a hug on the mat.

I feel this is the best post I've seen here in a long time, I seen several moments where these events occured; including between my own son and husband!!! Thank you for an awesome event! Great group of athletes and kids!!

Great Thread! This is our first year wrestling. My son was a little scared at first. He knew nobody, new nothing about the sport, and did not know what to expect. I can say now, that I'm already missing not be at a wrestling event this weekend. He had kids from different towns and schools who now are friends. It's not just a handshake and a nod after a match, it's a hug and then sitting in the stands together after the matches. Awesome sport!

My son usually pats an opponent on the back after a win while they are leaving the center circle. He learned that terrific move from a class act stud that pounded on him for a good three to four years, a young man by the name of Bryce Shoemaker.

One good thing I have seen in our great sport was the Eva Longoria look alike working a table from District 1 on both Saturday and Sunday. If you do not believe me ask smokeycabin!

On a more serious note and more to the point - all the wrestling moms who worked tables and endured abuse from not so friendly coaches and fans. Mrs. Armstrong (Brawlers), Mrs. Henes (STA), and Mrs. Sheets (Chapman) to name but a few! Without wrestling moms, who often are the workhorses at our tournaments, we would be hard pressed to run the tournament.

I saw a wrestler win a match to guarantee he placed in the tournament. As he shook hands, I saw him cover his eyes to hide the tears streaming down his face because he was so happy to reach his goal!

Now this I like!!! There is truly more good comes from this sport than bad.. My son is Will Spexarth and he got beat out at districts after a great season. He asked me if he could go with me to state to cheer on his friends even the ones who beat him out. This is what makes for great friends, knowing one minute your going to be killing each other and the next cheering them on at state. I got this quote from numerous dads and coaches "we've all been there" and I thank you all. I have gotten to know many coaches and dads over the years and would like to thank them, Jeff Smith, Todd Kasitz, Mike Peril, Tim Fitzmier, Pat Murphy and Aaron Guyer, you guys made each tournament a blast not just for me but the kindness you showed Will each week and we both thank you all...I look forward to next year and doing all over again, everyone have a safe and fun filled summer!!!

so thats why your kids werent at school. shame on you. god is watching you and not to send your kid to a catholic school let alone any school you should be ashamed of yourself. im telling the principle. now for a small price i promise i wont tell. suck butt.

I'm sorry Scott, you made it fun too!!! Don't tell but they'll be gone the week too for brute! Attendance awards is not what we're going for this is wrestling season (at least for 1 more week)

I did see her, as she was my table worker for all day saturday and only one down from myself on sunday... must say given everything else that occured, having her there didn't hurt too bad.

Contrary to belief, good news can sell! I would agree one of the best threads in awhile!

Tyler Mies, the way you handled your loss in the finals was nothing short of pure class! Win like a champion, lose like a champion! Thanks for being a role model for those watching!

I have seen many friendships between parents and kids develop because of wrestling tournaments.