I have been following this post and it seems that everyone has jumped on the bandwagon to blame Connell and not take the time to see the real reason for Spencer's loss. First let me give some details, some of which are overlooked. I have never seen a kid that works harder than Spencer. In the weight room, on the mat, and in the classroom, he is a cut above the rest. He wrestles like a man possessed. He for all accounts and purposes is an animal on the mat. Every time he steps onto the mat I have seen him with "the eye if the tiger." Every match that is, except for the finals on Saturday night. Fear of another and doubt of oneself is the most dangerous mix of emotions that a wrestler can have. Enough said about Spencer. What is the real problem and where did this doubt come from? Mr. Manley, Walkenvol, you were the one who planted the doubt in Spencer. It grew until it was an undefeatable demon. I have never have seen a father with so much control over his son's mind. Up until Saturday night I had held Mr. Manley in the highest respects. You complain and gripe about how Connell is a bumbling fool for not wrestling Spencer at 140 or 145. The week of state duals coach asked Spencer to make 145, his “natural weight”, and Spencer refused. Instead Spencer just acted shocked that coach would ask him to do something for the team. Things like this went on all year. You sir are the reason for your sons defeat. You and Spencer just complained and blamed it on other people. It almost seems that Spencer lost just to say I told you. I saw the doubt in his eyes. I saw it in the way he was carrying himself before 7 o'clock. I have no doubt that Spencer wins that match 9 out of 10 times. You planted fear instead of reinforcing him with positive thoughts. Stop making excuses and stop trying to live through your son. Spencer is a great person, I HOPE and think he will pull through.
This is out of control, it needs to stop. I hope this will shed light onto this already shady topic. This will be my first and last post on this subject.