I have to admit I had a Kansas favorite for the position. I was very disappointed when I found out last week that he wasn't going to get the position. I believe he would have been a solid pick too. I also agree that there were other quality Kansas wrestling people who would have been good choices. The disappointment that many of us feel is understandable. That being said, Dan Harris had an obligation to make a national search for the position. The Baker University wrestling program will be competing nationally and it was necessary for Mr. Harris to look nationally for its coach.
I am sure that Mr. Harris gave serious consideration to Kansas candidates for the position. In the final analysis though, he had to pick the candidate who he felt would be best for the position. Jimmy May has an incredible high school coaching resume. It reminds me of the success that Mr. Van Rose the SM Northwest cross country coach has achieved over a long period of time. Obviously Jimmy May knows how to build a successful long term program. Baker University is very fortunate to hire a coach of Mr. May's caliber. I am sure Mr. May will understand some of our initial disappointment that a local favorite was not picked. But I believe he will become a welcomed new member of the Kansas wrestling community. I also think he will be driven to make Baker annually one of the top programs nationally in the NAIA just like he did with his high school in Nevada. Mr. May, I welcome you to the Kansas wrestling community and you will have my support.
I agree with Sean and Eric that this is a great opportunity for the Kansas wrestling community and especially for the Northeast Kansas wrestling community. I am personally excited that we will have the opportunity to have college wrestling nearby. A lot of Kansas wrestlers will one day wrestle for Baker University. I want to thank Dan Harris for all his hard work and support in bringing wrestling to Baker University and another college program to Kansas.
