oldlion

Anyone who knows me realizes that I'm an old Red Bank boy with a simple mind. If you realize that fact, you understand why I'd gain some inspiration from a Garth Brooks song rather than some renowned philosopher. In fact, I'm pretty proud of my old Red Bank heritage... I made lifelong friends there, thought Tom Weathers hung the moon (still do) and have been lucky to keep in touch with many of the friends I think so much of through my son's wrestling experience. I digress a bit but I want to point out that I was never part of a State championship team during that time but I wouldn't give up those days for a million bucks. I want to clear the air a bit on a couple of things. First, I've tried to stay away from the posts but this morning I spent some time looking over them. My request: End these posts now on the topic. God love the Father Ryan fans and family. The passion, the love, the camaraderie, the BS we put up with because of Marchetti... My son has felt that, has loved being part of it, has thrived on the tradition. Let's focus the passion on things we can change and let's celebrate a State Championship... we all know how hard they are to come by. The focus for Cole is going to be that he gave everything he had - practice, matches, etc. In the end, that is really all that coaches and we as parents can ever ask - give me your very best. For the folks on the other side of the call, let it go as well. We're moving on and I know for a fact it will be turned into a positive down the road for Cole. One day, he will look back and realize what he was a part of and he won't give that feeling up for a million bucks. Second, what do Pat Simpson, Damon Smith, Vince Gioella, Jim Simpson, Brian Gobbel and Matt Gorham have in common? They've touched a million lives in a positive way and made young boys into young men. Every year I see our grads come back into the room and I know they've all been made a bit better by the experience they've had because of these fine men. What else do these guys have in common? I'm pretty sure none of them won an individual State championship. But they didn't let it affect their lives negatively. They turned it into a positive. I know in my heart that the experiences Cole has had wrestling will prepare him for whatever life brings and it will make him a better person. Who knows... one advantage he may have over these unbelievable men I mentioned, is he knows the joy of standing on the top shelf after a State Championship and the pain of standing on the 2nd. Third, there was a post about our coaches not arguing 'the call'. Not sure who posted or why - I'm guessing it was not a FR fan. But let me tell you...the FR family is strong. Cole was at Father Ryan for many reasons but Pat Simpson was one of the biggest. These coaches have fought for Cole, have sweated with Cole and we respect and appreciate the very positive impact they've had. We've never questioned them on anything and we aren't starting now. Enough on that subject. I'd like to thank and congratulate all the Father Ryan wrestlers. We have 14 placers - truly a team win. Ecky, Little Was, Little bald headed Fish, Simpy, Marky, The Cos, Lionhearted Nolan, C-Mo, Hook, TJ, Fish, Lags, Cheese, and Trev. I won't post more on these guys because I'll tell them all face to face how proud I am of every one of them. Congrats to our friends from the west on your first. I know you are proud and I know you've made everyone step up their game. I wish you the best but I, as you know, hope the Purple Irish are always standing in your way! Also, send us Edwards back - he is ours! Being a Red Bank boy, I'm not sure I'll ever look at the Red Raiders without wanting to beat them (sorry, in my blood). That said - what a fine group of young men and parents. Tell the truth, at least 2 of them are really Red Bankers - probably the reason they've turned out to be nice. Bodar - you should be proud and been great seeing you and watching Matt grow up. Billy - great run, you, Zack and the family have handled success in a manner to be admired. Houston, like I told you, you'll get to the top step - just don't take down a purple uniform to get there. Matthew and the Cates - well done, I know you are proud. BCB - I know your biggest regret is not seeing Tee or Jack don a purple singlet. A friend of mine said you put one on at night to help invigorate you a bit. I hope that helps solve some of your issues but we know there are many. Jack - congratulations. You are a great example of overcoming genetic challenges coming from the 'y' chromosome parent. Steve Henry and SD - well done. You are really Red Bank north and don't forget it. Gary and Campbell thanks for your friendship and look forward to seeing you around. Probably left about a million folks out - can't cover it all and no one wants to read this crap anyway. I'll end with this line from an old Hank Snow song... 'we're moving on!'

Dear BCB, You may or may not have been made aware, you have been on double secret probation for over 2 years. This probationary period was deemed appropriate by the Purple Royal Police (PRP) after you disgracefully made inappropriate contact with a member of the Royal family - certainly an offense deemed worthy of a death penalty. The Royal family relented in not issuing the penalty but only after intercession on your behalf by some of the purple mommies. During this period of time, (in which you have tried to make nice with the Purple crown), your activity has been monitored very closely. You have been accused of (and found guilty of) cavorting in some very low places, excessive alcoholic related activity and posting some ridiculous insults directed at a couple of outstanding purple wearing dads (evidence of a jealous nature you have). The PRP has still not been able to determine a couple of key questions... 'does this guy have a job?' and 'how does he pay his bills?'. Even with the knowledge that some of the qualities listed above are some of your better ones, it is still unusual for you to be outright nasty. This message delivered to you via text seems to have brought about a somewhat... aggressive side of you, heretofore, unseen. Therefore, the PRP is requesting that some type of disclosure of this text be made public. Perhaps we could make judgement as to if this is some type of alcohol related overreaction or, indeed, if an injustice has been done. It is the PRP's fervent hope that this message was a friendly jab at you and not something deemed personal, directed at the innocent heirs of your vast fortune.

Alright, I've been called out twice on this post and can clearly see that BCB is working hard to stir the pot. First, targeting the Moseley family on these posts is probably smarter than chasing (or grabbing) someone from the Royal family. I really have never thought that was a good move on your part BCB. However, I am concerned that by continually calling me out that Marchetti is really going to get jealous. He has asked me a couple of times if I could be talking wrestling with someone else.... an accusation that I've vehemently denied. Messing with an Italian family is never a smart move. I would liken that to a wrestler trying to hit a lateral drop with 2 seconds left in a match he is winning by 2... it would seem to be a risk you would not need to take. As to a nice place to stay when you visit Nashville... you might consider a room at the Rodehard Motel off Trinity Lane. I think it might fit your taste as well as your price range. You might want to bring your own pillow and sheets. I do hear they even offer a hourly rental if that suits your financial situation.

Friday night ended a very hectic but fun week for the boys wearing the Purple of The Father Ryan Fighting Irish. My guess is love or hate the Fr. Ryan faithful, inviting them to your home gym for a little mat time is probably good for the local economy. And if you get involved with that fun loving crowd, you can be a part of very intellectual and stimulating debates such as who has better Ribs? Sugars or Sticky Fingers? (Apologies up front to our friends from Memphis regarding a barbecue discussion as we've also had similar discussions regarding Rendezvous, Commissary or Interstate). I also found out that BCB is either very brave or maybe just not very smart. Inside information has it that he did smoke the peace pipe with the Purple Faithful but only after dangling by his heels while hanging over the balcony at Sugars. It seems he was threatened to be fed to the goats if he ever accosted one of the women in Purple again especially one of the Purple Royal family(really, what the heck was he thinking???). It seems quick wit, sweet talking and most importantly an offer to buy the next round got him off the ledge. The ND faithful were gracious hosts and seemed to appreciate the architect the Purple team brought that drew up plans for roping off certain areas of the gym to allow for maximum intensity during matches. I will say their gym has one of the worst echos in the world and if you are ever there you might consider not sitting in front of someone who might have a bullhorn for a voice unless you want to have a reverberation in your head long after crossing Monteagle on the way back to Nashville. And the officiating was good - this was somewhat disappointing as The Purple crew rarely had a chance to scream stalling. The 2010 Irish vs. Irish meeting in Nashville already promises to be a good one. Some good ole fashioned hard-nosed wrestling under the lights, good food, and, of course, ear plugs will be provided to limit hearing the b.s. that BCB and Marchetti will be producing.

Folks, my son just completed his third day at Raymond's camp. I will have to agree - Raymond Dunning runs an incredible camp and, yes, at a great price. This is the best camp for the money for a high school wrestler. Put this on your calendar for next year. Thanks Raymond and Brian for doing this - we'll definitely be back next year.

Alright gentleman, I am a nervous wreck - this is my first (and hopefully last) post on Coacht. I can already hear Marchetti giving me grief for even bothering to reply. It took me an hour to figure out how to register and then to reply. BCB, you are very smart to be able to do this so well. One of the Burkhart connection called tonight and told me that there were posts being written that I should be aware of. That said - I do think someone is making bulletin board material out of my son. He has lost, I have seen him lose, and as I hope he will continue to enjoy wrestling, he will surely lose again. So Gene Baker, I don't think any of these posts are coming from the NCW camp - last thing anyone would want to do would be to kick a sleeping lion! BCB - we'll be spending time in Chatt-town over the holidays with family. A little extra mat time would be greatly appreciated.