My heart is heavy to hear of the passing of Mike Willms. Mike was a long time wrestling athlete, parent, fan, coach and most recently referee. Mike worked many different levels as a referee and put a lot of his time and effort into wrestling.
I am not going to sugar coat much... Mike had is problems and especially that last 15 years or so were pretty rough on him. A lot of it self caused. But I have a very soft spot for him as he was the man that had the first conversation with me when I was 12 years old that I needed to try wrestling.
Without Mike, I am not sure I would have ever been introduced to the greatest sport on earth. Without Mike, I probably would not have my 3rd Love of wrestling (Behind God and My Wife). Without Mike, I would not have been able to build the relationships and friendships I have had throughout the wrestling community.
Wrestling gave me many opportunities in life. It kept me involved and connected in high school as there were not many things a 5'6 un-athletic white kid could do in Wichita Public Schools. It was the door way to a college education. Wrestling was the driving motivation in my career choice to become an educator. Most of all wrestling taught me many of the life lessons that we all talk about when we get together talk.
For that, I am 100% greatful to Mike Willms. While I am saddened at the circumstances of his death. While I am saddened that his life took a direction that was in the end the cause of his death. I am not the judge. I loved that man like a family member and wish God's comfort on his children Justin and Shandi and his multiple grand-children among his many other family members!
Please USAWKS, say a prayer for God comfort at them.
Thanks Coach Willms for being a part of my life.
