Hello friends!

I was the one who asked Mike about a mat for the new Ulysses wrestling club. The formation of the club is in process. To my knowledge its formation doesn't come out of a rift between anyone in particular. However, many of the younger wrestlers who began under coach Alex asked him to start a new club because they appreciated his love for the kids. And because so many approached him is why the second club is being established in Ulysses. The name of the club is Ulysses Kids Wrestling (UKW).

From an objective point of view I think that the primary reason for this happening may have more to do with a lack of continuity and communication between the wrestling families and the Grant County Rec organization. I think that one thing that could help that organization is regular meetings with parents to keep them appraised of what is going on, and to acknowledge the achievements of its wrestlers. Everyone knows how much of an investment it is for the parents and how important parental involvement is in this sport. GCRC would do well to develop this part of its program.

At last week's meeting of UKW there was a unanimous attitude expressed about the Rec Club. And that was one of support and appreciation. UKW will cheer on each of the kids from Ulysses regardless of which club they are in. We don't see it as a rivalry, but hopefully at some point viewed as a partnership to build championship programs of the Middle School and UHS.

As for needing a mat, we have a couple leads that we're pursuing at this time. Our hope is to begin practicing as soon as possible. However, if you know of mats that may be available. Please don't hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,

Nate Gift