C'mon guys. This discussion demonstrates an inherent bias toward eliteness. 100 wins isn't important? Only celebrate those kids who are awesome before they hit high school? You are all making a lot of assumptions.
What about a four-year varsity kids who starts as an average wrestler and by hard work gets to be very good in his final two years, thus reaching 100 wins? Julius Coats from Tongie comes to mind.
What about a three-year varsity kid who lights it up and reaches 100 wins? Who cares?
I think we very often in this sport only focus on "ranked" kids and "elite" wrestlers and want everyone to fit this mold.
I have plenty of kids who will NEVER place at state, but in the course of going through our program have become very good wrestlers. We MUST realize these guys are important, too.
I would rather have 50 "good" wrestlers out than 10 "elite" wrestlers. That way, more kids learn the valuable lessons our great sport can deliver to them.
Rant over, feel free to disagree. It is America, after all.
Shawn Dolezilek
Head Coach, Jefferson West HS
I think that any kid who makes it through a whole wrestling season has accomplished a great feat and should be congratulated.
I just don't think that 100 wins is a valid benchmark to judge greatness on anymore.
Wrestling happens to be one of the highest forms of competition.
