This is my first and probably last post on this forum, but there are a few things I would like to say before I go. As my High School wrestling career comes to a close, I could not be more proud of every single wrestler that competed this year in the Coliseum. My team, Saint Thomas Aquinas, wrestled like champions, despite our setbacks, but we still fell short. I can't describe how awesome it was on Saturday seeing our backside wrestlers fighting, kicking, shooting and sprawling for their spot on the medal stand. The amazing thing to me is that usually when our team wrestles like this, we win tournaments. With 7 placers(one Champion, 2 runner-ups, 2 thirds, one fourth, and a 5th) the best we could muster was 4th place! The level of competition this weekend was set at a very high level, and Carrol, Kapaun, and Valley Center rose to the occasion.
I've read this forum for all the years I've been in high school, and I've heard the bashing on the quality of Kansas wrestlers, and Catholic school recruiting, and bad refs. But after this weekend, as a competitive athlete watching many other competitive athletes, I can't help but appreciate all the competitors just flat-out busting their butts for a medal, even though some fell short. That is something we can all admire.

I also wanted to thank all the people that have helped me accomplish my ultimate goal in wrestling, with my very last chance. I remember all of the Kansas Kids wrestling tournaments, when I got my butt stopped for a good 5 years. Everyone involved with Kansas wrestling should feel good about themselves for helping the State Champions this year do what they did! My coaches took my desire to win and helped me form it into a succesful wrestling career, I couldn't be more grateful. And my teammates, the ones that i've wrestled countless drill and live matches with, they are true champions. I have to thank my parents because they are awesome but they don't even read this, and God, cuz i've screwed up plenty of times but somehow things have worked out for me, so he's gatta be helping me somewhere.
For those of you that fell short this year, take that desire to win and use it, and work until you know you are a champion, and everyhting will work out fine.
Congratulations to all of the State champions, team and individual. And Gutwrench, I will proabably be at the Metro Classic, if you are going to be there I would like to meet you, if that's okay with you, just so I know who you are. You're secret will be safe with me....
Saints, go get'em next year, and remember,"Make the match yours and the tournaments ours!"