I had a disturbing call from Dave Thomson last night concerning his son, Josh. Josh has wreslted in Kansas for many years, including this year. The Thomson family moved to K.C. (just on the Mo. side) two weeks ago. Josh placed first in subs and now some parents are arguing the point that he shouldn't be allowed to wrestle at districts or state in Kansas. I totaslly disagree. The Thomson family are a great bunch and have attributed much to the Kansas wrestling program. Dave (dad)is a pastor and has been driving over the road to "make ends meet".
The family had an opportunity to better themselves and were forced to move...Lets not let this effect JOSH'S season.
Please respong!!!!!
monty karst
Russell Wrestling Club

(Father of NASH KARST...l2 under 92lbs.)

I placed a call and inquired about the fact that Josh now lives in MO and what is the rule on him getting to wrestle in KS. I did not agrue that he should or shouldn't be able to wrestle and did not know when he moved. I just asked what the rule is. Nothing personal.

I was told in reply that he just moved to MO and was living in KS as the time entries were sent in so he is eligible. I am satified with that. I don't believe there is anything wrong with wanting to know what the rules are. That is all I wondered. I was given my answer,and that is the end of it.

Good luck to everyone.

24/7 Mike Pursel

I agree with Monty. Josh started the wrestling season in Hays and wrestled middle school and some kids in Hays till they made the move to Missouri. He wrestled the week before subs at the Hays tournament under our club. Josh has wrestled in Kansas for as long as I can remember. Anyone that knows Josh knows that he is a great kid and works very hard to be the best he can be. He also has helped others to be the best including my son. I don't know the rules for eligebility for Kansas kids but Josh has lived and wrestled in Kansas all season. They just moved recently. I wonder if this would have been questioned if Josh was not as good as he is. I hope to see Josh at State!!!
Brian Schumacher
Hays Wrestling Club

Let me be clear...I agree with Monty too now that I know the whole story and he is going to wrestle this weekend and next as he should.

24/7

Mike, I see that now. I was writing my post as yours came up.

Hey thanks for all the support and kind words! We have spent 7 years shedding blood, sweat and tears in Kansas and have said over and over again what a great wrestling family we have. We have met some of our very best friends through Kansas wrestling and continue to enjoy many great relationships. We can certainly understand the rules being checked out as it was an unusual circumstance moving so close to state. We were told on Wednesday afternoon though by the "higher authorities" that Josh could not wrestle. Naturally this was very upsetting and it wasn't until Wednesday late night that we got the call that he could. We were relieved to say the least and want to thank everyone for looking out for Joshus's best interest. Win or lose is not the issue, my son witnessed people care enough about him as a person because of the relationships that have been built through wrestling to take a stand on his behalf to get the original decision overturned (which let me say I believe the original decision was based on hands being tied, not on anyone just being stinky). That support means more to us than any win ever could! So thank you to all and to those who overturned the decision. We are proud to have been a part of Kansas wrestling and were just reminded of how close a family it really is. Good luck to all and we look forward to seeing everyone in the next few weeks! Traci

I for one am glad to hear that Josh will be allowed to wrestle. I have always enjoyed the competition that he brings to the mat. On and off the mat he and his father are truly what makes this sport special, they are great competitors and more importantly, great people. I know my son will miss the opportunity to wrestle Josh this year at state (just couldn't get Tyler down to 92) but we have enjoyed some very good matches in the past. Good Luck to the Thomson's at state this year and thank you for he opportunity to have met you through kids wrestling.


Eric Dulaney

Im really glad Josh was able to wrestle. I received a great opportunity when the family Josh sent to school in Hays. We were at the same middle school and Josh was one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. We pushed each other every day at practice. He did very well in middle school going 12-0, and aslo he did well at the Hays tourny and as well in subs. I think the only reason that people brought this up was because the wanted a easier ride to state. I disagree with that. You were willing to put a end to this great kids season just because you wanted a easier ride. Well, I hope Josh does well today and also at state. Good luck Josh!!


Jarrett Sanders