As a coach and wrestler I have learned the role and importance of a support system and "team" to help improve the recognition of each athlete in the organization. Kansas Krusaders is an organization developed to grow women's wrestling, but that can only happen if the athletes we are trying to serve want to grow the sport and their opportunities as well! I am not talking at just the state school age level but also the college and national levels!

The opportunities given by people willing to give up professional and personal time include free clinics and practices, reliable representation at tournaments(if you have ever had to travel to a tournament and pick up a coach from a different team or even state you know the importance), relatively carefree planning of tournament travel, and a broad pool of invaluable knowledge about every aspect of wrestling from practice to participation to administration.

Show your out there listening and supporting. Start by giving us a shout on here. Then continue your support by coming to the girls tournaments and practices. We know that when at a tournament parents and athletes see other girls wrestling and often chat with them. Spread the word. If the fliers and cards and practices and tournaments and web pages and forums and speeches are not getting the job done maybe some good ol' word of mouth can solve it.

I am proud to say that over the past two years there has been representation from, if not all, almost all the teams in the Topeka area at the Emporia Girls Tournament in which the Krusader team helps run the tournament and also holds wrestling clinics prior. This tournament is a great opportunity to meet other athletes and coaches from around your area as well as the state. These connections make great reminders of upcoming events, contacts, and possibly practice partners when you need help.