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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,153
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,153 |
TWO SIGN WITH TIGER WRESTLING PROGRAM
Fort Hays State University head wrestling coach Cody Bickley has announced the signing of two student-athletes for the 2005-06 season. This year's early recruiting class includes state champions Tyler Gonzales and Danny Grater.
Gonzales, a senior at Shawnee Heights High School, posted an impressive junior campaign after winning the regional and state titles at 189 pounds. He is currently ranked as the top wrestler in his weight in class 5A. He was twice been recognized as area athlete of the week by KSNT-TV 27 and Topeka Capital-Journal last season, once for football and again after winning the Derby High School Wrestling Tournament. He led SHHS to a fifth-place finish at last year's Kansas Class 5A State Wrestling Championships. He is ranked 29th in the nation among 2005 seniors at 189 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine. Tyler, whose father Robert is an FHSU graduate, carries a 3.83 grade point average.
"Tyler is the type of young man that will develop in our system," said head coach Cody Bickley. "He has a tall, lean frame that will allow him to develop into a great 197-pound college wrestler."
Grater, a native of Green, Kan., captured the 4A state title at 145 pounds as a junior while compiling a perfect 36-0 mark. He led Clay Center Community High School to a sixth-place showing at the state tournament. Grater went 39-0 in route to a state title at 140 pounds his sophomore season. He was a Cadet Greco Roman National Champion in 2002 and a fifth-place finisher at the 2003 Junior National Greco Roman Championships. He is currently ranked ninth among 2005 seniors at 145 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine. He finished third at last year's FolkStyle Brute National Championships. He is ranked 81st in the nation among all graduating seniors (all weight classes) in the country. He carries a perfect 4.00 grade point average.
"Danny is a proven winner," said, Bickley. "I am very excited about working with him in the future. He is not only a high quality wrestler, but a great young man."
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,443
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Congratulations to both these young men for choosing to stay in state.
While both these young men have outstanding wrestling talent and abilities, for me the most impressive is their ability to excel in athletics and the classroom.
Lastly, Danny also is great with kids. Last year at the USAW Kansas Kids State Tournament when his younger brother won his first state championship, Danny picked up his younger brother and hugged him, and if I recall correctly, quickly carried the youngster in his arms to the head table to receive congratulations from Mom and Dad.
I am not sure the young Grater wants to win another title if he will receive such a joyous bear hug in the future.
Again, congratulations to these fine young men.
Richard D. Salyer
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