I had a chance to watch and coach against Neil this weekend in the Burlington High School Wrestling Invitational. Neil was voted the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament over a field of competitors that included many excellent wrestlers. What impressed me the most about Neil was the way he carried himself during the tournament, and the high level of respect that he showed to his opponents, the officials, and other coaches.

I have watched Neil develop through the USA-Kansas ranks, and he has accomplished a tremendous amount. I have seen him stop to pray before and after many tournament competitions which tells me that he is grounded on a solid foundation. This has also served a role-model for many other young wrestlers in our sport. For a young man that has accomplished so much already in our sport, he is very humble and very focused. I hope these traits continue throughout his career.

I have often heard it said that a great athlete makes those around him better. I can tell that several of his DeSoto teammates have benefitted from having a top-notch practice partner in the wrestling room. I was impressed with the level of improvement that I saw in 152-pounder Leif Goleman. Leif has always been a solid wrestler. I was impressed with the way he has continued to improve in the high school ranks.

It will be fun to watch Neil, Leif, Coach DeYoe, and the DeSoto Wrestling team develop and come to the forefront in the next several years.