My son, Johnny Perz joined the 100 win club this weekend. He might have set a state record by winning 97 of those matches by exactly one point. (At least it seemed to me to be about 97). He overcame a few obstacles before becoming a competent wrestler; he literally went 2-7 in his second year of wresting in NOVICE as a 7 year old & in general, the athletic-gene pool was very unfair to him. I have often been told that I look like an unathletic & out of shape version of Don Knotts. Johnny never won an open tourney until 8th grade, his eighth year of wrestling.
All of that said, I could not be more proud of my son.

However, the impetus of this tribute was not for my son but to honor & thank the people that allow these dreams to be realized. My kid wrestled 8 years of kids club; 3 years with Jim Phillips (BV Kids club) & then 5 years with Sean McCarthy (STA Kids club). Both of these individuals are x-college wrestlers that donate endless hours of their life to run a club, providing the expert coaching guidance. Both had a clearly stated policy of 'keep wrestling fun while they're young so they continue to wrestle, hopefully thru high school'. Many people think of teachers as unsung heros. I'm not meaning to take anything from a teacher, but how about the Jims & Seans of the world doing all of this for free? I'd be remiss to not also thank their better halves, Naomi & Jill for putting up with this hobby that consumes a near infinite amount of their husband's time.
This might sound corny; Johnny's life & my life are much more fulfilled by having the good fortune of having Jim & Sean in our lives. Jim & Sean have done some important parenting for me by teaching my boy that repeated hard work, done on an intelligent path will pay off over time.
I know that there is an army of "Jims & Seans" in this very cool world of wrestling, like the well respected Charlie Knox and perhaps about a gadzillion other quality individuals. Jim & Sean were the individuals that coached/mentored my son. But for all of you overworked & underpaid Jims & Seans that make wrestling such a great sport, I send to you a very heart felt T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!!!

Sincerely, Kevin Perz

Great job Johnny! You have always been a fine young man, and you have made huge strides at becoming an incredibly talented wrestler since the first time I met you. You should be very proud Kevin. Once again Johnny, congrats on your accomplishment and we are wishing you the best the rest of the season.

Good post Kevin. Congrats to you Johnny.

Finish strong!

Congrats Johnny. We knew you had it in you.

Excellent post Kevin!

So many years ago my son was introduced to this sport and STA Wrestling. We as parents gained lifelong friends but my kids gained a lifelong mentor in Sean McCarthy.

And congrats to Johnny!

Congrats Johnny! Kevin thank you for the kind words. I think Jim Phillips might agree with me on this one - It takes a dedicated wrestler, great club presidents, great assistant club coaches, parent involvement, an understanding wife/advisor and the head high school coach and his assitants to take these young student/athletes to another level.

Sean

Congratulations Johnny!!!!!!!!!! A great, polite, and respectful young man who deserves all the positives that has happened and will continue to happen to him! Kevin, i want to echo your thoughts about the STA Kids Club. Matthew and Jacob owe their success to Coach McCarthy and the club. If you ask either of them who the most impactful person has been on them with wrestling they both would say Coach McCarthy. Another big thanks would have to go to Sharon! Who always kept everything running smoothlly!
Congratulations again Johnny and Good Luck the rest of the year!