3 years I have been on here lobbying for Winamac to get (and Earn) an invite to Team State... I spit out many many statistics and comparisons to teams that were going and each year just felt CHEATED by the system.... couldn't understand how others were more deserving than our program based on given information. The hardest part was comparing teams that don't see each other... ECC Semi-State vs Fort Wayne Semi-State, The always viewed weak Logansport Regional, and now to see that what so many people started working for almost 9 years ago to rebuild a program from 7 total wrestlers in the wrestling room to EARNING enough respect as a program from the selection committee (obviously not amongst all coaches in the northern half of the state) to be invited to TEAM STATE..... I am so very thankful... I have no words to express the gratitude for this recognition... The part that excites me most is how this will ENERGIZE our kids and our community... These kids that have put in the work even when they had been knocked down time and time again. The FUEL this honor will provide our program can't be matched.... This experience for our kids will not be something that could be replicated anywhere....
I see and now understand that I was wrong the last 3 years.... focusing on the negative of not being invited was not fair to those that were invited and to all those programs I do publicly apologize.... wished I would have learned that sooner....
Side note.... To see Rochester, West Central, and Winamac all invited to Team State is so awesome for our little area!!! Great job head coaches and all supporters of each of those programs!! Best of luck to each!!!