Derby won 32-28 real good duel, ark city had a couple guys out and so did derby but it came down to heavy weight for the win.

I just wanted to compliment and thank the Ark City Folks for the reception tonight at the dual. I say this because I know it is a heated rivalry, yet the Ark City crowd, while loud and supporting of their team was gracious and hospitable in their reception of Derby and the fans. Again Thank You, your attitude and exhibition of sportsmanship is admirable and noted from at least this one rivals father.

The other reason I wanted to compliment the school was for the fine young man you have wrestling at 103. Aaron Hoag is one of the finest young men I know, not just a wrestler but as a young man. I want you to know that if the rest of the Ark City team is as polite, well mannered, and loving of the sport of wrestling as Aaron is, your school, parents, and coaches have all done a fine job. I truly believe that Aarons love of the sport, hard work, and attitude will pay off for him in life. Aaron, to this old bald headed man, you are an inspiration and I truly mean that.

Of course, I would also say congrats to the Derby team that has become like a second family. Keep working hard, remember the goal that you have set forth for the year, and stop at nothing until you accomplish it. You honor yourselves, parents, school and coaches, on the mat, don�t ever loose sight of that.

Mr. Furches this was the first time I got to watch your son he is gonna be hard to beat in any of the tourny's he's in, and liked the tats the lil lad was sporting.

Thanks and would have loved to meet you to put a face to the forum. Of course, I was the big bald headed ugly guy on Derby's side. Make sure to come introduce yourself this weekend if there.

Ugly guy and Derby? Hmmm...good thing you clarified bald head! LOL

... dang Swayz, you're brutual ... truthful, yet brutual!

Good point, Brother Randy! I am big, bald and ugly but luckily not in Derby this past weekend.

Instead of Buds, we can be "BUBS"...big, ugly bald guys. Think it will catch on?

How you like my new sig...?

... (sigh) alas, I will be labeled as a mere BUG (big ugly guy) ... because I'm not rubbing enough hair off on the old headboard!

That is cool...can't wait to see you at State this year. No one can take a picture of us together, the glare would be intense (unless you view through a hole in the milk carton)!!

Nice article on Nathan and Dante, should be an interesting weekend. Give Nathan and your family our best wishes.

That's where it went (headboard)...at least it went to a good cause!

It is like evolution...first you are a BUD (big, ugly dude), then a BUG and, someday Randy, a BUB.

The wrestlers have "the ear", Furches and I have "the dome"...

Here is a link to all those who might not get the Wichita Eagle. It was a very good article and I believe shows the true meaning of the sport of wrestling..."...whatever happens, we'll still be friends off the mat."

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/13615840.htm

Swayz did your hampering actually work?

If it was me then the Eagle Deserves props in return for the prompt story:

QIn the recent 6a poll for wrestling, I noticed in the individual rankings at 103lbs that Nate Furches the Derby freshman was ranked #1 and Donte Rogers the Wichita NW senior was ranked #2. I know both wrestlers very well and was curious since they live only 1 house away on the same street, if there would be a human interest story on these phenomenal wrestlers? FYI: Both won national championships this past summer at the Mid American Nationals with Rogers also claiming Outstanding Wrestler honors.
Swayz, Chapman, KS 12/29/05

ASounds like an interesting story for us. Thanks.
Duane Frazier 1/05/06

Aaron: Nice work in recognizing a great human interest story. I thought the reporter did a nice job and we now know the source of his inspiration. If you were old enough, you could be a "BUB"...Good Job!!

He could have been a year ago...