As those of you who know me may or may not know my mother had been dealing with cancer for the last 4 months. I got the call from my sister tonight that she went peacefully in her bed at home with my sister at her side.

My mother was a huge inspiration for me in everything I do in my life, but especially when it comes to officiating. My stepfather who also passed away from cancer 8 years ago refereed football for 35 years here in Kansas. She encouraged me to become an official and always supported me towards achieving my goals as an official. I told her at the beginning of this season that my goal for this year was to officiate at the high school state tournament. She told me that she would promise to hold on long enough to see me referee at State and that's exactly what she did. She was able to come and watch for about an hour and a half on Friday, and she told me along with my birth and the birth of my daughter that she had never been more proud of me.

Her being able to come watch me at Salina will be something that I will never forget. For all of you who have offered kind words to me I appreciate it a lot. I will be at Rock Creek this weekend back doing what I love more than anything and knowing that she'll be watching me from above now.

Nigel,

Thanks for posting this. I am sorry for your loss and pray that God will fill that empty place in your life. I lost my Mom in 2004 to cancer and I understand the void that is left. It was great to hear that she made it to Salina!

God's strength and blessings to you!

I'm sorry for you and your family's loss Nigel.

Nigel, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. It is though nice that She was able to be there for you last weekend and see you fulfill a personal goal that meant so much to both of you. Through wrestling, I know that is has meant alot for you and been good for your personal growth as a young man. Your mother will always be close to you in your heart. God's peace be with you.

Nigel,

I am sorry for your loss. I lost my mother the same way four years ago. It was nice that she was able to spend time and meet her granddaughter, no matter how brief it was. My prayers are with you and your family.

Bill DeWitt

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

The Deeres

... and my thoughts go to you and your family!

Nigel, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our familys thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.

Nigel, I have always liked you and appreciated you, my families prayers are with you during this tough time.

Our prayers will be with you during this time. May God give you the strength and courage to get through this. Be blessed,

Nigel,

The Atchison Wrestling Community sends out our prayers for you and your family's loss.

Ned Price

I'm sorry to hear for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts.

Nigel-

Sorry to hear about your loss. I think it is very cool that she was able to see you work your first State Tourney. I'm sure your work this weekend made her very proud.

I have to tell you that I had never seen you officiate before and was quite impressed with your work overall. We had a couple of calls that you and our coaching staff didn't necessarily agree on, but your professionalism and ability to articulate what you saw and why you called it the way you did was impressive.

You do a good job. I was impressed with your composure, hustle, and confidence in your ability as an official. This may the the one and only State Tournament that your Mom got to see you work, but certainly will not be the last one you are selected to work.