In response to all the complaints about sportsmanship. I can't understand all the complaints when the majority of these entries are a prime example of poor sportsmanship. First I would like to say you never tear down a child for they are a product of their environment{right or wrong}. If you have a problem take up with a parent or the coach. Also, I don't understand why everyone is tearing down an entire team for result of this incident.
I do understand that a little boy has been injuried and that is a very sad thing, but to threaten the safety of others is revenge and that is wrong!
Let's not fotget we have a common goal our children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dylan. Let's keep wrestling and still have fun!

First of all I do not recall anyone threatening revenge. Secondly, it is not one incident. This type of behavior is typical from that team. That is the point. Thirdly, you are judged by the ones you associate with. Posting here is not an example of bad sportsmanship, we are concerned for the welfare of the kids. When you have coaches teaching technique that is dangerous and illegal and that it is okay to use it, we have a legitamate right to be concerned.

You are right you don't tear down the child. But the coaches are guilty of positively reinforcing the actions of the children. The actions that the coaches are teaching. The coaches are supposed to be role models for the children. When the coaches are giving "high fives" after his wrestler has injured another wrestler, of course that tells him that it was okay and is okay in the future.

Was it the coach highfiveing or was it the dad?
The coach is a young man about 20.

Not very often will I stick my head in this argument simply because I wasn't at derby. BUT the Independence Invitational tourney just concluded and I feel kind of compelled to write. After watching the dicksons wrestle I began to see something. Even as brass and arrogant as they are when they win they are JUST as gracious in defeat. Actually I saw one of LegRider's kids beat a dickson this weakend in a great match. As soon as the ref raised the chanute kids hand the dickson kid gave him a hug and shook each of the other coaches hands like a grown little man. While this doesn't help the kid in derby with the hurt elbow it does show that they are just kids too. They put their singlets on just like everyone else does... one leg at a time. Like I said I feel for the kid that was hurt and for the most part I feel AC Heat (while extremelty arrogant) bring a great level of competition to a tourney. With that said I also believe that they have a good coach or two on staff but also have a crude one or two that may be getting most of the problems caused. Either way after I saw the dickson kid lose that tough match and get up and take it like a man I was extremely shocked but also pleased. It's good all around for wrestling...

I usually leave the posting to my husband and just read the drama that is usually going on. However, I felt that something needed to be told in reference to this post.

We had friends from Kaw Valley that came down for the Independence Tourny for the first time. Their son sat at mat side while my son wrestled one of the Dickson boys in which my son did win. When it was time for their son to wrestle another Dickson boy it was overheard that the gandfather was telling the Dickson boy that he had better beat him because he was with the boy that beat his brother. The Kaw Valley boy lost and after the match the Dickson boy danced around and the coach pointed at the father to the Kaw Valley wrestler.

I think it was great how the Dickson boy handled the match with my son. My son has lost to Reece Conklin the same way and they show very good sportsmanship with each other. Also, though my sons of won their share of matches and them nor their father have displayed this type of behavior.

I have always said that wrestling is a sport of its own because it is individual. I also see my boys meeting kids from across the state building friendships. This is the way kids should see wrestling and be taught wrestling. It is slowly disappearing and this type of behavior not only helps the cause, but leaves wrestling with a bad name.


Sonya Hosey
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Chanute Wrestling Club

I was also matside for the above mentioned match. While I didnt notice the kid dancing around I did watch the Heat coach pointing and shouting at the Kaw Valley coach/Dad.This type of display is what teaches kids poor sportsmanship,and the adults are the ones to be blamed.

And this is what I meant when I said that the kids weren't bad kids. I strongly feel that there is a negative influence or two among the coaching staff of AC Heat. While I dissagree whole heartedly in the Hooting and Hollering after their wins that too is not the kids fault. Either way I just felt taken back by the sportsmanship of dickson after reading some much trash being stated on this site about them/him.