I would like to say a few words about what I witnessed at the state tournament this week end. I'm not going to use names in this because I think the story speaks for itself. My son wrestled in the championship finals this weekend against an opponent whom he had beaten at the district competition with a final score of 1 to 2. It was a very close match. Here is where the story becomes a lesson more for me or better yet all of us. In that district match the other wrestler and his coaches did everything they could to get the ref to change his mind on the scoring that wasn't going their way, even so far as the wrestler to grab my son by you know what in the final minute of the match to get him to let go of the hold he had on him so he could escape and score the needed point to tie the match. They obviously were very desperate.Then when the ref blew the wistle oblivious to the illegal grabbing, the other wrestler and coaches refused to shake hands or even acknowledge my son or his coaches. Then with many attempts from the ref to get the wrestler to shake hands, he walked up to my son and slapped his hand away. For you see this was his first loss all season I was told. Which brings me to my conclusion. My son wrestled that same wrestler in the championship round. After a very tough match my son lost by 2 points on a questionable call on a takedown which I reviewd on my cam corder and later found it was 2 seconds after the timer went to 0. After the final seconds clicked off of the clock, my son picked himself up walked calmly up to the ref and the opponent (celebrating widly) and shook his hand THEN he hugged him with a smile. He then walked to the coaches of his opponent and shook both thier hands with a smile. I don't know how many of us would have done that! This sport has taught my son so much about life, and yes he has even taught me. Me and his stepmother are so proud of him that I can't put it fully in words but thank you kansas kids wrestling and Thank you son!
P.S. for lack of better judgement I showed my son the video tape and all he said was that it doesn't matter because he shouldn't have been in that position to lose the match and he is proud of the other wrestler because he appoligized to him AFTER the match.

I love you son!

Darrin:
You are not the only one that saw what you described. I expect others saw the fine young man you have and you should be proud! Good luck to you and Garrett and we hope to see you again.

Having been involved in the Kids program in the past for about ten seasons, I can relate to the feeling of total pride in a son or a kid you are coaching when he shows the maturity of a true man at such an early age. With the ever increasing weight that this sport places on winning at any cost and being totally hostile to all involved when a loss occurs, I am always incredibly impressed when I see a young man such as your son swimming contentedly against the current. Congratulations as a parent, Keep it up!!!!

Thank you both for your reply. I also watched Rhett all weekend. We were cheering the whole way. Although he too feel just short of a championship I know he is always a champion in our books. Tell him to keep up the good work and congratulations on his accomplishments already. I know that you must be very proud also. Once again thank you both for your kind remarks.