Originally posted by mikechurch:
Again, common sense among coaches. You might have an undefeated freshman. You still leave him home b/c he is not a placer. That Furches kid can compete with anybody in the state. Might win 103 this coming year. But he should stay home. This would keep us all true to the intended format of the tournament. No offense to the Furches by the way. I saw him wrestle for the first time the other day and I say this kid is a tough cat (Panther, no pun intended).
Mike, First of all thanks for the compliment of my son. Coming from you I really do appreciate it and don't worry, there is no offense taken. You are one of the people I greatly admire in Kansas Wrestling and want to reaffirm that.
Now to my thoughts regarding this tournament. I obviously believe that it is appropriate to abide by whatever rules apply to this or any other particular tournament, but even if allowed to wrestle according to the entry rules; that is not mine or Nathan's decision. It is the decision of his high school coach. I would support the coach’s decision whatever it is. No one knows the needs of the team better than the head coach does. My concern, for my son, is not to primarily be an individual champion, but hopefully make his team better. If accomplishing that, I believe the individual rewards and benefit will come. It is the concept of helping the many, the team, that I desire for my son to learn more than any other. The lessons of sacrifice and serving others I believe is among the greatest lessons that one can learn in life. Don’t get me wrong the individual lessons are important and I desire my son to do the best he can, but on the whole spectrum of things related to wrestling, those things are not the most important.
