Bryce...

I remember:
the feisty 8 year old with a fearless motor;
Jack and you brutalizing each other;
all the boys...
sandbags, "last 30 seconds", sprinting, crying, puking into the trashcan;
all the parents...
at the gym standing, hooting, applauding the spirit in you boys;

I remember:
your first state championship;
hugging your father;
national tournaments;
watching your high school legacy;
knowing that the losses built you more than the wins;
"Never count out Shoemaker...ever"
"Ever"

I am so very proud of you Bryce. So very proud.
I am so pleased for your parents. So supportive. So loving.
I am also grateful.
This accomplishment is more than pride in your national championship.
More than the pride in Baker's first national champion.
It is a wonderful chance to remember all you boys, all the coaches, all the parents, all the times.
One of life's chances for it all to come together and overwhelm.


Congratulations Bryce Shoemaker
133lb NAIA National Champion
From Baker Univ, through Baldwin City, Kansas
Feisty with a fearless motor