Just referencing bornbad's comments regarding the lack of a Kansas flair to Colby CC's regional championship team. And if you want to split hairs in a technical sense, international students are no less foreign to Kansas than out-of-state athletes - none of them are paying in state tuition are they?

A lot of folks have chosen to ridicule this year's team instead of marvel at their ability. And as a huge supporter of Coach Lampe's program I am, understandibly, tired of hearing that.

Yes, the kids are from Uzbekistan. And, you are right, I have nothing to support their age except except their governmental documents and exit papers from Uzbekistan and Steve Lampe's belief therein. But, not that it matters as the NJCAA does not have an age restriction.

With the NCAA's rule limiting the age of DI athletes to 27, the landscape at the junior college level has changed. Now not only are you dealing with DI caliber talent forced to the junior college level by prop 48 rules, but you are seeing more and more international students joining the ranks, so that they can come to America and use their talent for personal betterment and the privilege of a college education. What used to be a novelty is now quite common, as many juco teams now sport international talent. Although it is unusual to see international talent at an age comparable to the typical college student - which is what Colby has this year.

Their arrival has been good in other areas besides wins too, as their teammates at adjoining weight classes are being exposed to techniques and styles that will only make them more competitive as they further their careers.

And the multi-cultural diversity that they have experienced first hand. The roster of individuals that at the start of the season were separated into two distinct groups have developed a sense of unity and pride - talk about a real life skill that is relevant long after a wrestling career is finished!

Plus the international athletes have been given a real education on mat wrestling by their American counterparts - Oberlin native Bryan Miller can absolutely ride them into the ground. Not to mention the benefit that college sponsored clinics and exposure these role models have provided for the local youth wrestling programs.

I guess after having watched Jack Dennis and Matt Murray compete well - and occassionally win - against international talent, I stopped caring about about the apparent lack of equity and began enjoying the sport at an elite level in which I could have never seen otherwise.

Plus, ask Ryan Phillips how it felt to defeat an international athlete en route to the regional title he won last weekend. Certainly would have to be a bit more noteworthy to tell folks that he pinned a member of the Uzbekistan senior freestyle team than just telling them he beat a two time state placer from Wyoming!

No offense taken on this end and I recognize that I am undoubtedly biased on the issue. But, I noticed Kansas kids were just as capable of beating international athletes as they were anybody else - they just have to work a little harder to do it. But, then again, thats what its all about, isn't it?