Gabe did have (another) concussion which ended not only his season, but likely his career as well. I know he fell just short of the 100 win mark to boot, so I would much rather have been able to see him having to face the "drama" of injury defaulting (or healthy forfeiting, take your pick) to another female as he did last year. Speaking of that, as I understand it, Kali (to whom Gabe had to forfeit last year) had to miss her entire Senior season, also due to a concussion.

As to those "adults", who in a different thread are casting stones at another Catholic boy (who is not only a great kid, but he comes from a great family) who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of facing a 'girl' to whom he has to forfeit...well, let's just remember that there is more to life and a lesson to be learned either way. I just pray that they all stay healthy!

Troy Gooch

Not only a senior but a fine young man and very talented wrestler.

Troy,

Gabe was missed at EKL and the Pitt Regional. Watching him battle it out with Sam Elliot in the JoCo classic was a treat. And when my son wrestled him, it was a definite learning experience and teachable moment. I say good luck to Gabe and wish him success.

I like your 'casting stones' metaphor. I think some folks forget that we are talking about kids here.

Silver surfer, I don't recognize you by your moniker but I appreciate your kind words. I loved watching Sam even against Gabe, and would love to see him (Sam) win it all in 6a this year. I've known his family since we moved back here in Gabe's fifth grade year. Great family all around. Gabe really wanted another shot at Sam knowing he would have to avoid bottom against one of the best leg riders in the state at that weight. But it was not to be...

Troy,

I am new to the forum and I just added a signature to my posts. My son is Colin McLaughlin (BVSW) who took 2nd at EKL and 2nd at Pittsburg this last weekend at 120. This is his first year wrestling varsity all season and he has learned a lot by wrestling guys like Gabe and Sam.

Awesome! Now I have another one to follow! Thanks for letting me know, Jim. Look me up in Wichita on Saturday. For a relatively new school, you all have come a long way. I know Sawyer will be bringing it this weekend too!

Welcome to the Sammy Cokeley roller coaster ride. Big win in the first round and forgot to finish strong in the medal match on the back side. He too, like the Norton wrestler, has had long trip to state. JV 138, 152 varsity weighing 142 and now a 145lb state qualifier as a true freshman. That's my boy!

I look forward to it, Troy. I will be the bald guy wearing the Southwest gear and sporting a goatee.

Yep, Sawyer is the real deal. He hit a road bump against Hensley last weekend, but I suspect the rematch Saturday in the finals will be epic.

I don't know if Colin will be ranked going into the weekend, but he beat the #6 guy from Pittsburg and took #5 ranked Beran into SV overtime in the regional finals before losing 6-4. He is wrestling his best right now, so that is a good sign.

LOL, that is a great ride, indeed.

Sammy has had quite a year and nobody better overlook that freshman (among many others). I saw another of his big wins earlier this year against a one seed in a tournament that st. James got blasted for sending their jv. Says a lot when a team can take their jv to state, beating out prior state placers on the way. Hated seeing a great kid (here's to you Zach) have his final year cut shorter than we all hoped. Good luck to all participants this weekend!

Lol..I'll be the bald guy with a goatee sporting an old STA t shirt in remembrance of Gabe's prior years! And this is the time of year to hit your prime. Go get em!

Jim and Will I am sure you would not want anyone talking about your children if they have an unfortunate deal or the "Shocker" event. Some of these young men feel bad enough - I hope it made you 2 adults feel better. These young men will hit bigger hurdles in life and this bump in the road will prepare them for that.

Sean McCarthy

Sean,

In no way was there any intent from this thread to belittle any wrestler. I will apologize completely if any comment of mine was taken that way. What spurred the thread was my shock that an accomplished and well respected wrestler missed a chance to go to state this year. Being on the outside and not knowing the young man from STA, I was actually heartbroken for him in Pittsburg because my wife and I have seen him in the past and know he is a good wrestler and deserves to be recognized as such. That is where the shock is coming from. Sports has its share of upsets and high school sports is no different. This is why the matches are wrestled. Someone wins and someone loses. What was not said, and what I should have said from the beginning was that the young man is a good wrestler and I would have considered him a lock for going deep in the 5A tournament. In no way was I celebrating anyone's loss, just expressing my shock that the outcome was not what I expected.

Again, no disrespect was intended.

Sean,

You have been around long enough to know that when the match ends one is going to be happy and one is not. It is ok to celebrate a win. I have no idea why that is not ok? Upsets happen! Heck, Sammy has had his share of disappointment too. Lighten up as this is not a topic targeting someone's losses but more so other's accomplishments. I feel bad that Zach didn't get what he wanted but as you stated life is filled with bumps. Good luck to Zach in his future.

Just wanted to say g. Gooch is a great kid and enjoyed watching u wrestler. Tyler wanted u to know he was sorry about it.

Tyler wanted u to know he is sorry to hear about it.

Tell Tyler thanks and good luck and health going forward!

edit fur mi pour spellun...

Just want to say good luck to all the wrestlers this weekend!!!! And to my son who will also be wrestling220!!this year has been great! Very proud of him!! He has worked very hard for this moment!!