With this wrestling season having come to a conclusion and all of the state champions crowned, I wanted to take a moment to recognize one of the true champions of our great sport that didn't find himself at the top of the podium over this past weekend.

Kevin Kissane would not know who I was if we met in a crowd, but I would like to thank him for being a true champion of wrestling. After losing his first match of the season in heartbreaking fashion in the state semifinals, there were some unfortunate reactions from spectators that should never happen in any youth sporting event. This post is not to highlight or condemn/condone or even recognize the actions of the adult spectators after this match. This post is to recognize Kevin for the way he handled this unfortunate situation. His demeanor and his actions after the match mean more to me as a wrestling coach and fan than any medal or bracket ever could. To watch this young man handle this ugly situation with class, dignity and sportsmanship was inspiring. We used Kevin's reaction to this situation as a teaching point and as a model to our young team for how one is to react to adversity.

Kevin, I know you didn't achieve your goal to become a state champion and that is very difficult to come to grips with. However, you are a CHAMPION of so much more. Thank you for demonstrating what it takes to be a true champion in the greatest game of all...LIFE.

Best wishes for you and your future. Based on what I saw over the weekend, I have no doubt that your future will be a very bright one indeed!

This forum needs a 'like' button.

Well said coach and we should take the time to analyze that match to improve for the future. Not how to wrestle but how to handle the problems that arise during wrestling:

1) The outside official's job is to make sure that the score is correct!!!
2) The whistle should have stopped the match instead of calling stalling when he saw that the score was incorrect.
3) ALL coaches (in this case Kevin's) should have a manager or asst. watching the clock and keeping score during the match.
4) KSHSAA should insure that only coaches and authorized personnel are on the floor.

I have coached both young men many times. They are both class act and top shelf athletes. It is tough to lose and even tougher when those you count on to control the competition environment let you down.

I hope we all learn from this situation and from Kevin.

I totally agree. Get the techno geeks to look into the feasibility. Until then "Like".

Great post Justin. There are not many like Kevin Kissane.