Originally posted by Ryan Jilka:
Last Monday night I accepted a position in my school as an assistant principal, and I will no longer be the coach of Goddard High School. It was a move made primarily so that I can have a greater opportunity to be around my daughters. As I listen to older coaches, I often hear how much their family sacrificed for their coaching careers. I can coach again, but I'll only get one chance to raise my family. I love coaching wrestling, and I will miss it tremendously. I know the program is in good shape, and GHS wrestling will continue to do very well.

I could never walk away from wrestling completly. I plan on getting a firm grasp on my new job and then finding a new way to help the sport, just not one that is quite as time-consuming. I'd like to help organize an OK/KS border battle, work towards a DI program, or help with the rise in women's wrestling. Heck, I may even throw on the stripes occasionally.

I'd like to thank all of the people that have helped me in the wrestling world and all of you I've shared laughs and stories with. There is no greater community than that of the wrestling family. If it weren't for wrestling, I have no idea where I'd be, but I know my life would not be half as good as it is. I've had coaches like Bobby Stein, Gary Harding, Rueben Montoy, Mike Schauer, Wayne Peterson, Wes Harding and Bob Smith. I hope I've influenced young men in the way they influenced me.

Life-long friends are rare in this world, but most of mine are from wrestling. Some started when I was five, like Mike Bammes, and others began as a coach like Brett Means and Joey Vrana. The greatest friend I have was met at a wrestling tournament; my wife, Kerrie.

I could set here and write all day about the great people I've met, but then I'd leave someone out and feel terrible. So, THANK YOU to all of you! Let's keep this wrestling thing going strong and keep one thing in mind...whatever is best for the sport and the kids involved.

Sincerly,
Ryan Jilka