Coach Knox,

I learned many things in my time as a wrestler with you, Coach Taylor, Coach Rich, Coach Fox, and others as my coaches. Most of what I learned was not about wrestling, but about life. I learned that if I am going to do something I must do it 100% all of the time and that quitting is not an option. I learned that it does not matter what challenge lies ahead I must embrace it as it will make me a better individual. I learned that in order to be successful it takes commitment, but more importantly it takes hard-work as nothing will be handed to me free. Out of all the life-lessons I learned there is one that will always stick with me and that is devotion. You have always been to devoted to providing kids with an opportunity to exceed in wrestling and in life. This devotion has propelled many kids without futures to success in life. I remember all of the times you picked kids up before practice or tournaments and dropped them off when done. I have never seen you quit on any kid regardless of race, color, or creed. Thank you for what you provided me and every other kid that has been blessed to pass through the mats of TOHK.

For those of you who criticize Coach Knox and his program I leave you with two thoughts.....1) When you sign up for the talk forum you agree to the following statement..."If you are going to post a message critical of an individual, group or idea, you must give your true name and/or email address. Be willing to stand behind your comments, or keep them to yourself." I have no problem with anyone expressing their opinion, but defend what you say an post your true name. Do not hide behind your forum name. 2) I am 33-years old and TOHK has been criticized for as long as I can remember. Yes, they have had some wrestlers and coaches that have shown poor sportsmanship, but I witness that every weekend from many programs throughout Kansas. I have seen wrestlers throw their headgear, refuse to shake hands, and throw complete fits and none of them were part of TOHK. I have seen coaches berate officials, shove other coaches, and berate wrestlers for poor performance and none of them were part of TOHK. I have witnessed parents make 6-year olds cry because they lost and blame officials for bad calls and yell at other fans and non of them were part of TOHK. The problems described with TOHK happen everywhere in wrestling yet no one discusses those issues. TOHK kids are well coached, dedicated, and wrestle hard. Along with their parents most of them have more heart and dedication to wrestling than most everyone else. Yes, they get emotional, but that is because of their desrie to succeed in wrestling. I wish everyone had that desire. Instead of criticizing try supporting them for a change. I have personally witnessed people say bad things about TOHK simply because they hear about from a fiend of a friend. Make an effort to get to know them and form you own opinion. There are some bad apples in most programs so do not hold the actions of a few against the entire team.

Chad Pore
TOHK Alum!