I actually think I handle change very well, and am usually in favor of it. But as Dylan Campbell commented on the thread for coaches made by Coach Johnson about the new time schedule, those kids have been dreaming of that moment since they were in kids wrestling watching their idols be there in the spotlight. They've had the hair stand up on the back of their necks as a spectator and have thought "One of these days, I want to be that person on the mat." I'm okay with the majority of the changes that have been made in Kansas high school wrestling since I've graduated, but that is one I am TOTALLY against.

It is not easy to make it to the championship finals, and it's even harder to win it. Dylan won it twice and still feels that way. I was there and lost. One of the greatest memories of my 14 year wrestling career was experiencing the parade of champions as it used to be at Hays. I've even heard stories of kids "pissing their pants" from excitement during the parade.

I don't know who you are, if you grew up watching 321A wrestling in Kansas, or have ever been in the state finals... but I think I speak for the majority of us that have in saying it needs to be "Eye of The Tiger."

In years past I've even taken girlfriends that knew NOTHING about the sport of wrestling there and have had them comment about how cool the parade of champions was.

Things change, that SHOULDN'T!!

Again that's just my opinion, and what do I know?


Troy Reitcheck