I hate that this incident occurred. I have a great deal of respect for Daniel. I had the honor of being in his corner, last year at kids’ state, and know that while Daniel may wrestle tough, I have seen few kids work as hard in the room and out as Daniel, and the bottom line is he is a fine young man. One of the things to remember is that for Daniel who has always shown class, this was his last high school tournament, and last chance at state.

Coach Ross is a class coach who my son will hopefully wrestle for and I know that neither would he condone any form of unsportsmanlike conduct or support willful injury to another athlete. All of this said, rules are rules and if anything I believe, shows one of the benefits of summer wrestling, Greco or Freestyle. There are ways to hit the throws (slams) but knowing how to land them (for the thrower) is rather important and those are techniques that are generally learned in the Spring of the year.

Daniel, if you get bored and want to wrestle, come on to the kids room and help coach, I'll let you take out a few frustrations on me when demonstrating things for the kids. I know the kids look up to you in the practice room and you will continue to be respected by me.

Coach Steiger, your comments show class and I hope that Wilcox is doing okay.