First, I would like to apologize to the Kansas wrestling community for embarrassing and letting you down.

I would like to set things straight by saying that I did drink a small amount of alcohol and this is not a normal activity for me. And to also say that I was not the reason we got caught, and I was not running up and down the hallways naked.

I know some who don't know me or my parents have made comment about us both here and at the other message board that was deleted at the Wichita paper. I know my parents expectations include no drinking ever, and to show respect and enough discipline to overcome those situations and say no. I know I have let them and my faith down and this also saddens me.

My parents and coaches have spoken to me in the past about being a role model, especially to kids wrestlers. To those kids who see this I would like to say I am sorry to you guys most of all. I have made a bad choice and this kind of thing should not happen. Later in life when you face challenges like this be a leader and do the right thing. What I did was not the right thing

I again apologize to the Kansas wrestling community for my recent actions. I want you to know that I will try to do better, I have made a serious mistake but I realize I have the responsibility to earn your respect and commitment back. I made a very bad choice and I hope that you can forgive me.

Nathan Furches

Nathan,
You are already a better man for having to go through this in a public forum. We all make mistakes and you will make more in your life. Just keep learning and growing from them.

Hang in there.

Ned

Nathan,

A true measure of a person's character is how one deals with adversity. The first step in dealing with adversity is accepting responsibility for your actions. It takes a special person with solid character and strong faith to make the public apology you just made. You will continue to have my respect. Good luck with the rest of the season!

Shawn Budke

Nathan -
I am sorry you have had to go through this publicly. That should not have happened.

You screwed up and I am sure your parents and your school will take care of the punishment. You don't have to do anything to earn respect back from me (or most of us who know you). I (we) never lost respect for you.

Serve your punishment, try to learn something from this and get focused on wrestling. Good luck.

Nathan,

Well said. It is rare in our times to take responsiblity for our actions, both publically and quickly. Thank you for stepping up and talking to the kids and wrestling community that look up to you. I'll make sure that my son reads your post. Before our Lord and your parents, forgiveness sure is somthing to be thankful for!

-Eric Johnson

Nathan, I don't know if this means anything to you or not, but I never doubted that this whole deal had been blown out of proportion tremendously. Although I don't really know you personally, or your dad for that matter, I know what kind of person that you are from watching you and how you conduct yourself. I think that you understand that athletes and coaches are held to a higher standard, fair or not. Success always brings extra scrutiny. Don't let this deal get you down. Mistakes are made. I really feel that kids need to make a few, so they can understand that parents sometimes know what they are talking about!! I don't think any less of you as a person, or as a wrestler, than I did a week ago. I don't know what your punishment will be, but I do hope that you will be able to wrestle again this season. Keep your head up. I am sure that you have met this problem head on, and will be a stronger person because of it. You don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself at this point. I wish you and the Derby wrestling program the very best.

Rick Cue, head coach, Ulysses

How many of us have committed similar "mistakes" in a different day and age?

The one thing different about today is ... this damned glorious internet! While (we) might have made mistakes that were known to a few, today a mistake is known by many!

To follow up on Coach Budke's post, "adversity ... introduces a man to himself." Nathan you are getting to know yourself pretty well. It takes a lot of courage to publically come forth as you did!

Nathan-

Well I believe that you will learn from this mistake and I am sure you are looking for ways to right the wrong. You should know alot of people support you and wish you the best. No matter what the punishment is you need to right the wrong to yourself. People make mistakes and learn from them. It is what you learn that makes the difference.

Good Luck

Nathan -- I hope that you learn from this and realize that at many schools in the state your season would be over. Good luck the rest of the year.

A very admirable post, good job. You are a fine young man. We have all made mistakes, what is important is how one handles it afterward and you are doing well in that regard. This will be a good growing up experience for you. I commend you for your courage and for being forthright.

Good luck to you, Nathan!

I am GUILTY of a similar transgression!

Well said young man and I do not believe you or any of the Derby High School wrestlers owe an apology to anyone other than your parents, coaches and teammates.

Your allegiance is to your God, your family, your school and teammates.

Again, well said.

Nathan,unlike most people I have never made any mistakes,or maybe I am just slow to learn from them.I feel sure you are a faster learner than myself.I believe you are a role model for many young wrestlers,as sad as this is for you,team,and family,I think(hope) many others will learn from this.I know you to be a fine young man.I also think there are many who are not nearly as upstanding as you who are not allowed to participate in school sports because of mistakes they make.It's sad to me because I feel wrestling or other sports could help turn their lives around.Good luck,work hard and continue to become the best wrestler,person you can be.

Nathan I proud of you for your post. It takes lots courage to admit a mistake. Your faith will guide you through this time.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Your setting a fine example with your public admission an apology on a private matter. Thanks for having the courage to admit a mistake and learn from it.

Klint Deere

Nathan,
I don't know you personally, however my son Howard Johnson has spoke of you very highly for years. I could go into detail of things I have heard him, and many others say about Nathan Furches, his family, and how they conduct themselves in the wrestling world,and life outside wrestling. But anyone who knows you, and your family needs no explanation of this. I feel you have probably apologized to the only people in your life that truely deserves one, your family, and team. The rest of use are spectators on the outside looking in, some I suppose with all the right answers, and some with no clue at all.
I know your family will help guide you through this, and by coming out with a public apology, along with all your wrestling accomplishments, they just have something else to be very proud of you for.
Before we get on a talk forum and try to demoralize, or beat down a young man who has given so much to use as spectators, and wrestling fans. We need to stop, step back and think. For he who is without sin, may cast the first stone.

Ronnie Johnson

Nathan,

I wanted to wait until I heard your side (or any others actually involved) before (or if) I responded. I thought your post was right on target!!! Your summary of the events that happened and your apology in a public forum were not necessary. The summary and apology were necessary to a small list of people (parents, coach and school). Your actions were out of character for you but your public acknowledgement of your mistake is a definite character builder.

The measurement that you put towards your faith will be fine (in my opinion). You were guaranteed to commit sin before you were born. The fork in the road is always - how will you handle the test that happens to all of us in life. The moment you asked for forgiveness you were forgiven in his eyes.

I never lost respect for you over this small moment in time but I did gain more respect for you after reading your post. “If it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger” is a quote that has always stuck in my head during tough times. I’m a witness to the fact that your character has become stronger. The past is the past. The consequences won’t be forever and then move past it.

As you know my son (Skyler McComb) will be a 9th grader at Derby High School next year and I look forward to him being a teammate of yours. Skyler makes mistakes just like any teenager and hopefully you will be there one day for a little guidance as an upper classman. There will be several great 8th grade Derby Wrestlers moving up to high school next year. They will look to you to see how you handle situations (on and off the wrestling mat) and then make there own decision as to what to do. You’ll do great!!! Sometimes being a Champion (as you are) carries a burden and blessings. Good move on your post, needed or not.

I hope this one bad weekend changes nothing drastic for Derby Wrestling. I’m a believer in Billy Ross as a good high school wrestling coach. I have had several good conversations with him and have been excited for Skyler to be coached by him throughout his high school seasons. This bad weekend has been tough on many people. Live and learn and let us all move on. I will have Skyler read your post, because it is important. Some regrettable actions happened this weekend but some good stuff happened today (your post). Wednesday thru future… Good Job Nate!!!

Jason McComb
393-2562
jmccomb@cox.net
“Proud” Derby Kids Club Coach

Nate--

Keep your chin up. You are a fine young man. You know you are just like one of my children. You actually look like one too!

The Edison's are behind you 100%

Ms Jenni and the Gang

I have pretty much stayed out of this until this evening. First and utmost they are kids and kids do make mistakes, for that matter so do adults. The school, coaching staff and parents have issued out the appropriate discipline, the wrestlers are serving it and will recover from it. I heard something this evening that irritated me to no ends. A high school coach had stated that some of the team will not be wrestling the rest of the year for the incident. That statement is not true, they are serving the appropriate discipline and will be back next week. That being said I personally would like any and all negative comments to hault. To the wrestlers, keep your heads up and put yourselves together and build on this. I know you can and will and remember that you have more wrestling to do. Good luck and we will see you at State.


Coach Miller

Well stated apology Nathan. There are people out there that feel they must tear someone down to feel good about themself. You have taken your lumps over this and have offered an apology from the heart. It's time to move forward and show everyone exactly why you are a champion. There will be a lot eyes on you, but I have faith in what you believe in and stand for. I know you will not let yourself, your parents, the school or those that look up to you down. Good luck Nathan