I want to say congratulations to all of the wonderful young people that participated in Kids Wrestling!

We should be proud of the effort put forth by all of them, whether they were participants this year, District Qualifiers or State Qualifiers. They are all champions.

I want to let all of the young people know that they are all winners. Even if they didn't get the chance to fulfill their dream of placing at State.

There are many that competed with all of their heart and are winners whether they finished in the top 6 or not. There are those that were unable to participate due to injury or illness and they deserve to be acknowledged for their hard-work, drive and desire.

Please forgive me, I'm going to put on my Mom hat and let a very special young man know how proud of him I am. My 13 year old went undefeated in Middle School and would have undoubtedly placed this year at State. But after being sick for most of the week prior to State, and convincing us that he was well enough to compete, we let him wrestle Saturday morning. He even won his first match, but after watching him in his second match, seeing him struggle because he was just too weak, and having his fever return Saturday night, we pulled him from the tournament. He wanted it so badly but was just not healthy enough to compete. Son, I'm proud of you!!!