First of all, I'm biased. I roomed with Cody and think the world of him. Great guy, great friend.

I have no problem with people questioning what is best for programs. Usually it comes from people that are actually tied to that program, but it is not always the case. I admire Eric's wrestling accomplishments, but I think it is the way that you've blasted Coach Bickley that is questionable. It appears to be either something personal or a way to get attention for yourself as a coaching prospect. If it's something else, I'm missing it.

Although I feel that Cody is the best person for this job, I'd like to know what better candidate would like this job? Who'd like to put the hours in for such little pay in this part of the state and keep the academic aspect at the high level it is? Recruiting to Hays is only getting harder as the state's best wrestlers seem to shift farther to the east. I know that western Kansas still has some outstanding wrestlers, but for the most part, the best wrestlers are coming out of larger metro areas. These kids don't all want to go to western Kansas to live (although I hope several Goddard boys do).

I've never coached at the college level, but I do know that being a head coach at any level is MUCH more difficult that people realize. It's not just about your knowledge of the sport and trying to teach technique. It's being a psychologist, a parent, a boss, and a mentor.

I think Coach Bickley is doing a great job! He'll have some down years, but he'll still be working to get the most out of what he has to work with. You can't wrestle for them. He'll still represent the university in a way that the alumni can be proud of, and he will be instilling values in the young men that will serve them far beyond their years of wrestling.