After the dust has settled and it's now all over I would like to say thank you to any and all wrestling referee's in the state of Kansas. Whether you officiated JV or Varsity, I appreciate the time you all take away from family, friends etc. While 99% of the time you are being recognized for a mistake, I would instead like to recognize all of you for the positive impact you have had on our sport!

Thank you and have a blessed off season!

Michael Church
Wichita Heights High School

I will second what Michael is saying. I've disagreed with them, yelled at them in the heat of battle but I respect the jobs that they do and appreciate their efforts. I know from experience, they don't do that for the money or the glory.

And, next year a certain fan won't have to worry about my brother making all the calls for me.

Terry Alley
Andover Central Jaguars

Yes, the referees in our state do a great service for us coaches, athletes and fans. Hats off to all who have the courage to step into the ring and referee such a fast action sport.

I concur ... great job by those in stripes!

Thanks!

I agree! Great Job this season. And like Coach Alley said I have disagreed and complained different times throughout the season but when it is over and the adrenaline slows I am very appreciate for all the hard work.

Matt Higgins
Osawatomie High School

I agree. It is a very thankless job! Your work is appreciated and respected!!

As a wrestling community, we need to "grow" our base of officials. Many of today's officials share with me their concern that there are not enough good, young officials that stay with the sport after trying to work up through the ranks of working youth tournaments.

Please find a way to help develop them within your communities and programs. If each of us could develop 1 or 2 every couple of years, we could help correct this problem before it reaches a critical point.

Thank you to all the men and women who put on the stripes for the sport of wrestling!

Doug Vander Linden
Burlington Wrestling

I also agree !! Thanks for all the time that you put into wrestling. I know that officials do not do it for the money, but for the love of the sport.

Thanks for your years of service.


Bill Johnson
Norton High Wrestling

Great Post! I also think we should be greatful for those die hard fans that after their kids move on, or after they themself have finished competing, help to run tables or volunteer in some form at events to help them run smoothly as possible.

You Ref's have one of the hardest jobs there is!! All of you have done a FANTASTIC Job this year!!!

I must agree the officials at the 3-2-1A Goodland regional and state tournaments were outstanding, led by my good friend, Ron Haag. It's obvious just by going to a wrestling meet in Kansas how much these men (and ladies) invest in doing the job right. Thank you for taking the time away from yoru families and doing a job most of us can't, or won't, do.