aoberlin

I almost left my shoes on the mat.....
 
But I couldn't bend over to do it, so they came home w/ me. 
 
Thanks everyone for the kind words, it was pretty cool and that's a good group of guys in that picture. All very supportive of each other and wrestling movement!
 

Here is a story that I felt was worth sharing with the community that involved Bryce, I don't generally like sharing stuff involving my kids, but felt he deserved credit for this.
My middle son (8 years old) had lost in the state semi-finals, and was not handling it very well. We were in the cafeteria wrestling area, and he was having a "freak-out" (he needs to work on this) in the area behind the mats. I was trying to talk to him to calm down, but he was not registering what dad/coach was saying.
While this was going on a high school kid was passing through and asked me if he could talk to him.  The high schooler sat down with my son, and told him about how he had never placed at ISWA until this weekend, and he had won it today. He discussed how wrestling isn't just about wins and losses, but about progress.  This discussion caused my son to calm down, stop crying, and go on to wrestle the rest of his matches and place third. As he left I asked the high school kid his name, he said Bryce Denton.  I told him I had heard of him lol.
Anyhow I was really impressed with the maturity and kindness that Bryce showed this weekend. I had never met him. As a dad I was worrying what people thought of me/my son with the way he was acting, and Bryce was awesome in helping to calm him down and put things in perspective.  Also in my opinion it took a lot of bravery to ask a dad that you had never met to talk with his son in a situation like that.  Just wanted to share this and publicly say thanks to Bryce.  I was blown away with how impressive he was in this situation.

I am aware of your situation and I don’t disagree with your decision. Totally different than what others are talking about. That is why I said there are different circumstances. 

I am aware of your situation and I don’t disagree with your decision. Totally different than what others are talking about. That is why I said there are different circumstances. 

I see your point. And circumstances were very different at the time and things have improved at Wabash drastically. But under the circumstances we had to deal with then we chose the best option for my son. And what we have sacrificed as a family has not been easy. We didn't just jump local  school systems. I'm all for growing the sport but an opportunity presented itself and we took it. Both of my son's give back still to there local program. 

Well the goal should be that your wrestler is a leader the program needs to start the fire again. Every program needs a spark every now and then. When those sparks go to other schools it doesn't help grow the sport in my opinion. But... every circumstance is different.

Well the goal should be that your wrestler is a leader the program needs to start the fire again. Every program needs a spark every now and then. When those sparks go to other schools it doesn't help grow the sport in my opinion. But... every circumstance is different.

Flip side of this is the kid that grew up in the school system and now after all their hard work, has to take a seat because the superstar moved in.  We focus so much time on the top talent and forget about the blue-collar types that are putting the work in and waiting to get their shot

Well the goal should be that your wrestler is a leader the program needs to start the fire again. Every program needs a spark every now and then. When those sparks go to other schools it doesn't help grow the sport in my opinion. But... every circumstance is different.

Can’t wait to watch.   Hope it’s a well balanced documentary.  Looking forward to learning how to redshirt and recruit without getting caught.

I have permission to host this at Homestead. We are still shooting for this year possible mid April if not we will be looking at next year. Trying not to conflict with other events.

Meh… it’s still a crap thing to do and basketball sucks.

Is it too late to just say this is bullpucky that we even have to move it? It's what contracts are meant for. I would like to see the clause that says. "If there is something better that weekend you guys can't have it."  What lawyer looked at the contract that was originally signed or who created the contract? Did the IHSAA at least get some kick back for being thrown out next year or at least a discount for the year after? I hope so because it is just bad business. Don't worry about the loyal 13000 wrestling fans that have supported your facility and downtown district for many decades. 

These 2 things go together. Will Sheridan have chairs with cushions? If so I vote for it and that will help my butt.

These 2 things go together. Will Sheridan have chairs with cushions? If so I vote for it and that will help my butt.

NO ONE WANTS TO SIT ON WOODEN BENCHES FOR 2 DAYS

Is it too late to just say this is bullpucky that we even have to move it? It's what contracts are meant for. I would like to see the clause that says. "If there is something better that weekend you guys can't have it."  What lawyer looked at the contract that was originally signed or who created the contract? Did the IHSAA at least get some kick back for being thrown out next year or at least a discount for the year after? I hope so because it is just bad business. Don't worry about the loyal 13000 wrestling fans that have supported your facility and downtown district for many decades. 

Is it too late to just say this is bullpucky that we even have to move it? It's what contracts are meant for. I would like to see the clause that says. "If there is something better that weekend you guys can't have it."  What lawyer looked at the contract that was originally signed or who created the contract? Did the IHSAA at least get some kick back for being thrown out next year or at least a discount for the year after? I hope so because it is just bad business. Don't worry about the loyal 13000 wrestling fans that have supported your facility and downtown district for many decades. 

Is it too late to just say this is bullpucky that we even have to move it? It's what contracts are meant for. I would like to see the clause that says. "If there is something better that weekend you guys can't have it."  What lawyer looked at the contract that was originally signed or who created the contract? Did the IHSAA at least get some kick back for being thrown out next year or at least a discount for the year after? I hope so because it is just bad business. Don't worry about the loyal 13000 wrestling fans that have supported your facility and downtown district for many decades. 

Crazy this topic is going after I already told you it will be Evansville.

Better reserve a room in the Lafayette area now,   or you guys might be staying at the "Lincoln Lodge Hotel".   I dont think they're a Priceline Insurance affiliate.   Because the insurance cost more then the hotel room.

Sorry coach if this happens and you can't get a refund I will repay you by giving you a free camp or 2 for your kid. But.... you have to help coach again.

Sorry coach if this happens and you can't get a refund I will repay you by giving you a free camp or 2 for your kid. But.... you have to help coach again.

Clearly you're underestimating the power of "Denial".

2011 112 lbs.
 
1. Mason Todd of Pendleton Heights (157-9) - (Q, 5th, 1st, 3rd) - Gave Cody Phillips his first loss in 3 years of high school wrestling at semi-state a week prior, defeated Brenden Campbell twice the following season, and was a 2009 Fargo AA. Also defeat d future (160 lb.) champion Brian Harvey twice as a sophomore.
 
2. Jarred Brooks of Warsaw (139-6) - (DNQ, 5th, 2nd, 1st) - Responsible for another of Phillips’ only three career losses in the semi-finals, was a Fargo runner-up that summer and won Super 32 as a senior over future NCAA champion NaTo. Spent most of, if not his whole senior season as the #1 113 in the nation. And it’s maybe marginal to mention, but Jarred’s 5th place as a sophomore was likely a case of “he would have been 3rd if he didn’t have the runner-up at semi-state and then drew into the champion’s quarter-bracket.” 
 
3. Cody Phillips of Union County (169-4) - (1st, 1st, 3rd, SQ) - Took 124 IHSAA sanctioned matches for him to finally lose. Had positive career records vs. Brooks and Petrov who finished their senior seasons as champions, while unfortunately Phillips injury defaulted out of the tournament after a semi-finals loss to future 2x champion Cody LeCount at semi-state. Technically only lost 3 matches that he actually started his whole career. Was definitely ranked #1 in the nation at 103 lbs. (maybe even 113) for some time.
 
4. Paul Petrov of Hanover Central (180-13) - (DNQ, 2nd, 4th, 1st) - Went 142-4 following his freshman season, losing only to the guys ahead of him on this list. Finished his senior year strong with a fall over returning champion Mason Todd in the semi-finals and an all-time-classic with my personal “best to never win it” Brenden Campbell.
 
Since the four were in the same graduating class, they met up multiple times over the years. From their sophomore years on up, they had a combined: 481-15 record, with 10 of the losses coming amongst each other, and the other 5 coming from champion Brian Harvey, runner-up Paul Beck, “best to not win” Brenden Campbell, and 2x champion Cody LeCount.