As an individual affiliated with Sunflower Gold, I know some of their history. As you will read from my initial post, I said that it a young club - both in age and in years around. At one time it was a club but died out. A few wrestling individuals chose to take the club back and bring freestyle/greco to Topeka.
Sunflower Gold will take no credit for "producing All Americans," the kids were good when they walked in.
In the college ranks, Darion Terry of Mo Valley just placed again to be a 3X AA. Darion wrestled with the club and still comes in after returning from college to help and work out.
Last year, as a sophomore, Larry Perez placed 2nd in Greco and didn't wrestle Freestyle due to Vertigo. He's also a 2X state champ and ranked nationally.
At the kids ranks, freshman Colin Hase, 2nd in state @ 103 in 321A has placed nationally. Chris Strimple has as well.
Jesse Hardy out of Lawrence hasn't done too bad for himself either. I'm expecting big things for him.
And I can't leave out Zach Reeb. He has busted out as an excellent athlete in the past couple of years. Tough break a few weeks ago (wrist), but is on his way to being not just a state elite, but national elite as well.
We've got a few college wrestlers under our young belts down at Labette. National Champs and my alma mater! None broke varsity or were AA's but stuck out the season. I'm impressed because it's tough going from top dog to runt of the litter.
We have others that have made oral commitments to the club, but until the first day, I'll not comment.
Gutwrench, when your done swinging from the success of someone else and harping about what's missing, I'd like to see you in the room.
Some people like to complain, others get off their duffs and do something about it. There's an exciting change in philosophy in wrestling at the club - much of what you've said has been a focal point of the coaching strategy for the Olympic Styles at SG. We just chose to fix our deficienies rather than rant on the board about this and that.
SG athletes - am I forgetting some AA's or successful wrestlers?
