Wow...Dick got me so worked up this morning that I didn't have time to post what I really wanted to. Anyway, here goes my original thought...

Aquinas--Great work. Honestly, I thought that you guys were overrated this year, but you proved me wrong. You were a tough, disciplined squad, and I wish you the best in your summer wrestling.

Now to my Hat Town brethren:
I wasn't able to get to Wichita until Saturday, but what I saw was quite a show. Here are a couple of individual messages to my fellow mad 'hatters.

103,112,119
Baby Thorton, J Wags, and Mteve Siller--

All together, it was a good showing. For your first trip to the big show, you looked pretty mah-oney. Work hard this summer, do freestyle, pick up a barbell or two, and get ready for next season.

130 Wagner--I hope your noodle is alright. That was quite a whack. As always though, you looked tough as nails this weekend. 3rd is something to hang your hat on.

140 Hoshaw--It seems like just yesterday that you were getting beat by scrubs on JV. Great weekend--come back and get it all next year.

145 Mikey--It was a **** shame what they did to you this weekend. It was a real let down to see such an accomplished wrestler have something taken from him by a JV official. That being said, it has been a pleasure coaching and watching you for the last 4 years.

152 Fris--as always, another gutsy performance at the big dance. I will never forget last year when, in a loss, you gave it absolutely everything you had. It is rare when someone actually leaves it all out on the mat, and that was one occasion that I won't soon forget.

160 San Ihea--I remember you being a diaper-dandy on JV as well. It's too bad we don't have you again next year. Oh well--have fun and go getcha learn on a year early.

171--I was really hoping we would see Wyler Tarner get to the big show, but it didn't happen. Hey, at least you can grow a beard now.

189 Lars Leeson--I know it didn't end up the way you would have liked. I still think you are the best 189 pound wrestler in the state. Just remember how much you and the Larson family have meant to the MHS teams of this year and years past. It has been a pleasure.

215 Eichman--Probably the mah-oneyist performance of the tournament. Eich, I remember thinking that you were synonymous with Mrandon Balone. Honestly, I cringed when I saw that you were the Hat's varsity 215. But all of your hard weight-room work has paid off. You were awesome this weekend. Congrats.

275 Fat Cox--Wow. You're fat. Really fat. But you had a great tournament. That first round stick on saturday was incredible. I soiled myself.

Bing and Jeb--I was sorry to see your illustrious careers end the way that they did. You were both great fun to coach, watch, and cheer for. I will miss seeing you guys in a Manhattan uniform. I hope you are both going to make some noise at the national tournament. Keep it real, homies.


Wee Loodford--go get it back next year.