This morning I checked my e-mails and was saddened by the loss of Mr. Stanhope. As a former wrestler for the Topeka Tornados, I never really understood the impact that Bill has had not only on the city of Topeka's wrestlers, but the state as well. As a coach, I know exactly what Bill meant to the wrestling community. There's not one coach/wrestler in the region that doesn't know the tireless work Bill put into helping kids become better athletes, but more important, better human beings.
Looking back on how wrestling not only helped - maybe even saved - my life, I can't help but to be proud to be one of the testimonials the Stanhope family can cherish because darn it, Bill means something to so many of us. His family shared his love of life and even sacrificed time with him in order for him to spread his love, joy, humor, insight, should I go on? They were gracious enough to allow him to let thousands see and enjoy what they get every day. To the Stanhope family, thank you.
When I left Labette, I remember talking with Coach Thompson about life after wrestling. I wasn't going to compete any more, but thought about coaching. I can't remember the exact quote, but to paraphrase the conversation, he said "Gibby, remember all the work that your prior coaches put into you and the sport of wrestling....if each wrestler would put in a fraction of the time back into the sport when they are done, the sport will continue to thrive." It was something along those lines.
Well Bill, it looks like there's a whole bunch of us that will need to pick up the slack. If those of us who have been affected by your generousness have to give a "fraction" of what you've done, it looks like we're going to be pretty busy.
Thank you Bill
We will miss you
I will miss you
Jeremy Gibson
