i had the opportunity to be an assistant coach for the 1996 cadet national team, most likely as a practice dummy for boyle and alex haines from colby. i would agree with everything that has been said about jeff; unbelivable speed, strength, and all around good human being. i think it is important that there are a few other big men recognized as kieth blaske from onaga who went on to have a very successful career at fort hays state and jerry corner from wichita west who wrestled for nebraska-omaha. jeremiah beltran from olathe south, who wrestled for ohio (and i'm not sure what happened to him this season?) was also another terrific big man.

there are times when i am watching the heavyweight matches that i just shake my head and wonder what ever happened to big men who shot, or who would be really quick and technically solid. the leaning and stalling that occurs in heavyweight matches is disturbing at best. i am sad that adam vanegas had his injury this weekend because he reminded me a lot of the heavyweights of the past. he has the throwback skills of the heavyweights of about 10 years ago, with the speed and talent to do some pretty special things. he'll do very well as a college football player.