Yesterday, I received the the phone call that completed my final wish as wrestling coach of Schlagle High School. It was at 2:33 p.m. as I was getting dressed for the wedding of Rev. LaShad Buffett who was my long time asst. coach and one of my best friends. The news I received secured 7/7/07 as a very lucky day.
For the last several month Marcus Walker, his family, and myself have been working hard to find the right place for him to attend school. We have done everything from campus visits to text messages. It was a pleasant surprise to get half way through getting Walker narrowed down on a few school that Freddie Drone had decided not to go to the Marines so that he could also wrestle in college. At this point Walker was coming off winning the Brute Nationals and was strongly considering attending Neosho.
As time went on I encouraged Walker to focus on 4-year schools. He went to several more school before visiting the University of Central Missouri and he loved it there.
Marcus Walker decided to enroll at the University of Central Missouri where he will major in Business and plans to wrestle.
During this time Drone began working out again and attended a few freestyle tournaments. However due to school being out, Drone moving, and the unfortunate situation I was placed in communication broke down.
So, nothing was more surprising then when I received that call yesterday from Freddie Drone that he will attending and wrestling for Neosho County Community College.
It means alot to me. 8 years for Walker and 6 years for Drone of wrestling for Wyandotte County Kids, Coronado Middle, and Schlagle High. The time spent in the weight room, checking on grades, at practice traveling to tournaments has all accumulated in to the big pay off and I feel like my job is complete.
Coach Ersland and Coach Petterson will have two of the finest young men joining their program who have yet to begin to tap their true potential.
On behave of Marcus Walker and Freddie Drone I would like to thanks the entire wrestling community for giving me the opportunity to provide an experience of a life time to young men in my area. As well as special thanks to LaShad Buffett, Danny Rainey, Glen Newbill, Herbert Matthews and all the other coaches and parents that have lead to the success of these young men.
Freddie DroneNeosho County Community College Season Record 32- 5
Career Record (3 years) 72-21
Season Takedown 152
2007 Regional Wrestler of the Year
2007 119 Regional Champion
3x State Qualifier
Marcus Walker University of Central MissouriSeason Record 33 - 2
Career Record (4 years) 115-29
Season Takedown 198
2007 Kansas High School State 5a runner-up
Brute Addidas National Champion
2006 Kansas High School State 5a runner-up
USAW-KS Folkstlye State runner-up
Brute Nationals 4th
2005 Kansas High School State qualifier
USAW-KS Folkstlye State 4th
School Records
season takedown record 198
career takedown record 490
season win record 33
career win record 115
