I'm glad Ryan posted this topic, because it gives us a chance to thank those individuals that molded us into the men we have become. I can only hope that we have conducted ourselves in a manor of which you can be proud. I hope its not too sappy, but it’s a great opportunity to say “Thanks Coach!”

Bill Christner - Is tops on my list. Just being in the same room with this man, makes me want to be a better person. As a young assistant at a struggling school, I admired the strength, attitude, and confidence displayed by the Abilene wrestlers. I love the way that Bill celebrated victories with his kids. He was not happy and he did not celebrate because he had accomplished something great; He was truly happy for the success that his young wrestler just achieved. He was happy for the kid, not for the result. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, he would share the pain of defeat with that young man. He would do anything to take the burden of hurt onto himself if possible. He is a religious man guided by a genuine concern for others. He always had a way of making me feel important. Without knowing it, you have given me the gift of realizing that the kids are most important. Thanks Coach.

Lee Keffer - As my first coaching boss, he taught me so much about the fundamentals of wrestling. Its such an easy sport to master. KISS IT, keep it simple stupid. A single, A double, A high crotch mixed with some foot speed and a lot of pushups and its amazing what you can accomplish.

Coach Schmiedler - Lincoln High School - A good coach, but a better man. It took some time to get to know him, but he is genuine and honest and he says what he means.

Jimmy Renfo – Some of you may know him as Joe’s older brother. He makes my list because he always reminds me that this job is supposed to be fun. Come on Jimmy, what’s wrong with blue hair?

Jim Mosely - Makes you feel like the most important person in the world, when he talks to you. He is truly concerned about you the human being.

Lastly, there are a few coaches that work in a demanding basketball conference called the MCAA but have managed to stake out a fair share of the claim with little recognition. Dave Corns of Haven is a great guy to be around. Scott O’Hare is one of the hardest working coaches I know. Jack Thaw of Halstead has forgotten more about wrestling and more importantly about life than I’ll ever know. And Doug Broadfoot of Hesston is one of the most calm and collected guys that I know. I admire these guys for two reasons: They take what life, enrollment, and lack of interest throws at them and they have turned out a quality product; and they were a classy group of guys to work with these past two years.

Jason Halling