As has been pointed out to me in another topic, there were a lot of positives that happened at the 5A State Tournament this weekend. It is always easier to point our bad behavior, well...because it stands out. I am going to do that in a couple of more days. But for now, I think it is appropriate to point out behavior that is hard to exhibit but is the right thing to do.

The 106 and 113 pound classes were full of talented freshmen. Many of them had hopes of being the next 4x State Champion. Many were disappointed as all but one's dream was smashed. These boys showed great sportsmanship in their losses and in their victories. More of the upperclassmen should follow their lead.

The 126 pound match had the possibility to be a powder keg on and off of the match. People were talking about how the fans and dads would react more than they were the wrestlers. The young men had a great match. Both of them acting with class and dignity. Both of them leaving it all on the mat and showing model sportsmanship. The crowds reacted the same, there were no skirmishes, no acting out, and no fireworks. Great job to the Wichita Heights and St. James Academy fans, to the fathers of these two warriors and to Sean Deshazer and Reece Cokeley.

At 126, 132, and 138 there was a trio of brothers that all wrestled a wonderful State Tournament. The Frame brothers gave it their all. They wrestled courageous matches against every opponent they faced. They had close matches in their losses to some of the states best, and not once did they throw a fit or act out. Win or lose they shook hands with their opponent, opposing coach, and walked off the mat with dignity. Mr. Frame, you should be commended because behavior like that is getting harder and harder to find in our wrestlers. Great job.

At 145, 152, and 160 it was pretty uneventful. 145 and 160 was dominated by two of the best takedown artists I have seen come through Kansas in a long time. Even though they were dominant, they did not embarrass or humiliate their opponents. They went out and wrestled each and every opponent the same.

170-Hwt Finals Matches were some of the best upper weights. Either wrestler could have won each and every one of these weight classes. Sometimes the favorite won and other times there were small upsets. I don't remember any of these wrestlers throwing fits after there losses or being overly cocky in their victory's.

This was a great Tournament this year. Congratulations to St. James for winning this extremely tough State Tournament in a very convincing manner. Goddard put up a great fight and deserve to be congratulated as well. They are a young team that will be a force to reckon with in the immediate future. Congratulations to Coach Dryden, Coach Spangler, and Coach Klein and all of the Kapaun wrestlers I would have loved to see you score just 2 less points, but you would not be denied a strong finish at state. Lastly Congrats to my beloved Bulldogs. Although you exceeded the state rankings for you, you fell short of many of your personal goals. Use this to build on, you are a great young team and I expect you to be in the race for the State Championship next year.

Congratulations to All Wrestlers that went out and did what they were supposed to do. You wrestled hard, won with dignity and lost with dignity showing great sportsmanship either way. I am looking forward to next year. Again, Great Job this weekend.