There has been several issues concerning Nick Ashpole leaving the Valley Center team. I am Nick’s father, I am probably partial to this but I will try and be impartial when I outline the actions that took place. I had been in contact with Coach Shelton during the time that all of the this took place.

Nick certified and wrestled 125 prior to Christmas, during the Christmas break, his weight ballooned. Throughout the season the coaches recommended that Nick go to 130, Nick chose to stay at 125. After Christmas, he wrestled at 125 at Newton, the Wellington dual and the Maize dual. All other competitions he wrestled at 130. Nick did not make weight for the Rose Hill tournament. Needless to say, Coach Shelton was very disappointed. At this tournament the assistant coach informed me that if Nick did not make weight at 125, he would not be allowed to wrestle at regionals.

The Monday following the Rose Hill tournament, Coach Shelton informed Nick that he had lost his varsity spot, and would have to challenge at 125 to wrestle at regionals. Nick decided that he wanted to wrestle at 130 for the remainder of the season. Nick informed Coach Shelton of his decision on Monday morning, they discussed the pros and cons of 130, (stronger opponents, possible regional seeding issues, etc.). Nick visited with Coach Shelton and the other teammate that had certified at 125 and had been wrestling 130, (and 125 when Nick wrestled 130). The teammate had no problem with the proposed change, and had the impression that Coach Shelton was okay with the decision. I heard this from multiple sources.

Tuesday prior to practice, Coach Shelton informed Nick that he had changed his mind and Nick would have to challenge at 125 to wrestle at regionals, Coach also told Nick that he had to be within 5 lbs of weight to challenge. Tuesday after practice, Nick weighed 130. Wednesday morning, Coach Shelton and Nick met prior to classes starting, Nick told Coach that he was done, Coach Shelton told Nick to turn in his gear, and said that “this was one less problem he would have to worry about”. This was the end of their discussion. This is last time that they had spoken.

I spoke to Nick after this, and he said that he would not have quit if he was at 130. He was just tired of worrying about his weight.

This issue I have with the whole ordeal is:
I have been around wrestling a long time. I tell parents, wrestlers and anyone else that asks, that wrestling is the fairest sport that there is. There is no judging, A coach cannot limit your playing time. If you challenge another wrestler and beat them, you are on the team. If they defeat you, they are on the team. If you weigh 153 lbs and want to wrestle 171, you challenge the 171 wrestler, if you win you should be in the line-up.

Since Nick lost his varsity spot, he should have been able to challenge any varsity wrestler at any weight. There were other challenges for teams spots during this week.