CHATTWRESTLING

The absolute worst tragedy that can befall an adult is if they have to bury one of the children. I don??™t care if it is jail or drugs, death by alcohol or even killing another human being, there is nothing on earth quite as bad as outliving a son or a daughter. My mother is the best friend I have on this earth, but, twice, I have watched her eyes as we have buried two of my brothers and the look is so horrible it is indescribable. I saw that same look yesterday when Jim and Sis Morgan buried their 32-year-old, James David. I am not a real bright guy, but I??™ve studied when it has happened in the Bible. I read about it when it happened to King David, who may be my favorite after the courage he instilled in so many of us with his sling-shot. But not until I sat with my mother after my brother Franklin died was I able to grasp how God felt when his Boy gave it all for you and me. I have said repeatedly that if the same God came to me and told me it was time to walk my last mile before ???crossing the river,??? what solace it would be if He would let me take 10 people I treasure the most to walk beside me to the water??™s edge. One of my 10 would be Jim Morgan, whose day job is teaching chemistry at Baylor but whose gift is taking boys into his wrestling room and sending men back out the door. Back when I was still a teenager and working as a sports writer, my first ???beat??? was UTC wrestling. I??™d pile in the car with the greatest collection of athletes you ever saw ??“ dozens who were at the funeral yesterday - and go to SEC schools like Alabama and Auburn to watch ???little ole UTC??? whip the living worry out of the big boys. It was during those days that I fell in love with Coach Morgan. So I was there when he and Sis finally got married (and I agree she??™s the biggest champion in the family). I was there, too, when the two boys were born ??“ James David and Christopher Wells ??“ so I know better than most how the boys were raised, about the love they were given at home, and the lessons they were taught at the dining-room table. Trust me, I know all about that because if I had a dollar for every mile I??™ve sat beside their Pop as we sailed down the highway late at night, we could totally fund research for some awful disease like epilepsy. Jim Morgan, who was born in tiny Ducktown and lucked into a McCallie education, is simply one of the finest and purest men I have ever known. He is real; very, very real. Well, I am at a point today where my doctors tell me to avoid big crowds, to constantly wash my hand, and any fingers that stick out on the other arm, with soap and hot water, and to not dare get close to anyone who even looks sick. So yesterday my only intent was to make sure I caught Sis??™s eye, to make sure Coach knew I was there in a church that was bulging with so many warriors and winners from various decades you couldn??™t have stirred them with a stick. But that didn??™t work, no, not at all, because by the time I got close to Sis my heart was weeping so badly I??™ll never forget her hug and, when I saw Jim, he grabbed me in a way that would have cost us a penalty point. You must understand, there were literally hundreds of the greatest people in sports who were there in tribute, and, when you throw all the Morgans??™ friends in the mix and the more hundreds of younger ones who were there because they loved James David, it was exactly like the philosopher Angelo Patri once said, ???The life of a soul of earth lasts longer than his departure.??? Among my top five favorite books is one now out-of-print that was written by an Episcopalian priest, John Claypool, entitled, ???The Tracks of a Fellow Struggler.??? I have read it cover-to-cover at least 25 times, most often when someone I hold in my heart loses a child. The book is simply four sermons and it is especially eloquent because John Claypool has also had that haunting look in his eyes. John??™s first sermon came when his 12-year-old daughter??™s cancer went into remission. The second is about what a struggle it is to give thanks when that so very vicious disease comes back. The third is right after his darling died, but it is the fourth that I will always carry in my soul because it was given on the first anniversary of her death, a reflection - if you please - like no other. What that last chapter poses is basically this question: suppose you and the Lord were talking and He said, ???Listen, I have a great kid but I need him back before you can come to heaven. Would you rather ??¦ well, I sort of lend him to you for, oh let??™s say, 32 years or would you rather forego the laughter, the victories, the cases of the flu, the family vacations and all of that? I??™ll understand and still love you either way.??? The Rev. Claypool, who I met and visited with several times before he joined his daughter in heaven a few years ago, took the stand that only an dummy would turn down such an opportunity. He described, in the first person, what that little girl had meant in his family??™s life, even at the end with the nurses and tubes and all the rest. My prayer today is that Jim and Sis Morgan and their son Chris will take the same stance, that they??™ll be like my own mother who still keeps pictures and keepsakes of my brothers Kinch and Franklin scattered throughout her house, and on holidays always laughs at what each of them used to do to make us love them so very much. Any parent who loses a child knows what it is to simply endure, Lord knows they do, but while they??™ll never replace that face at the table or the huge hole in their hearts, they carry the memories of this time and that with them each and every minute. They all do, unfailingly, until that glorious day finally arrives when they can cash in on a rock-solid promise and, yes sir, they will see their children once again.Thanks Roy Exum for writing this great article. I've seen two of my very best friends laid to rest at a very young age, theres not a week that goes by that i don't think about them. Matter of fact i sometimes ask them too watch over my son's as they go into battle and i truly believe that they are there when i ask for them. To my friends, Scott Gant and Mitch Ayers-I love you. At 14 i was at Mitch's house when i got the call about Scott, and in 1997 i got the call at home while i was playing with my young children about Mitch. It is this raw emotion that i carry around every day and plead with my children to give everything they have and just a little bit more. Its the embrace that Roy Exum describes from Coach Morgan, I know every one of you guys felt what he was talking about. To my friends, grab your children and tell them that you love them. I told BCB yesterday that i went to see Winston Gant about ten years ago, before i could say anything i saw tears in his eyes, and the one thing i took from our conversation, He said it never goes away-the pain is always there. This was New Years 1986, Scott still had christmas he hadn't opened. It is this raw emotion that i carry everyday, seeing my friends laid to rest by their parents. I still drop by the cemetary at least once a year to tell them that i miss them, they are together by the white oak duck pond in Red Bank. Good Luck to everyone wrestling this weekend, and give everything you got-Go ALL IN! Brian Henry

BB is the man. Every match he covers, you know exactly what happened. Must have been that good education. /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

I dont know if his curls are red but the young mans name is Jack Boone.

I know these schools are going: McCallie, Notre Dame, Soddy Daisy

McCallie used seven pins on the way to a 66-6 win against visiting Ringgold Thursday night in a high school wrestling match. The Blue Tornado received pins from Kendall Ray (119), Michael Hooker (125), Daniel McClure (130), Prescott Stone (145), Blaike Henry (160), Nate Condrey (171) and Hayden Cronan (189). Cronan posted the night's quickest fall, stopping Jamie Collins in 17 seconds. Ringgold earned its six team points as 103-pounder Hayden Nichols pinned Alex Ward in 1:40. McCallie improves to 11-5 on the season, while Ringgold is 5-9. Next Match: Ringgold is in the AAA Area Duals at S.E. Whitfield on Saturday. McCallie competes in the G.P. West/Brentwood Bruin tournament, January 16-17. McCallie 66, Ringgold 6 135 ??“ Cory Cobb (M) dec. Sean Heard, 13-10 140 ??“ Brad McCurry (M) forfeit win 145 ??“ Prescott Stone (M) pinned Seth Cope, 1:13 152 - Jared Ward (M) dec. Jake Quarels, 11-5 160 ??“ Blaike Henry (M) pinned Andrew Braton, 1:32 171 ??“ Nate Condrey (M) pinned Justin Gregory, 1:13 189 ??“ Hayden Cronan (M) pinned Jamie Collins, :17 215 ??“ Alex Moore (M) forfeit win 285 - T.J. Satterfield (M) dec. Chase Orr, 3-0 103 ??“ Hayden Nichols ® pinned Alex Ward, 1:40 112 ??“ Tim Westbrooks (M) dec. Justin Heard, 7-3 119 ??“ Kendall Ray (M) pinned Josh Duncan, 1:38 125 ??“ Michael Hooker (M) pinned Daniel Menasvo, :44 130 ??“ Daniel McClure (M) pinned Zach Farrell, 1:18 Official: David Heffington Records: McCallie (11-5), Ringgold (5-9) Quickest Takedown: (145) - Prescott Stone (M), :02 First Takedowns: McCallie, 10-2 Quickest Fall: (189) - Hayden Cronan (M), :17 Comeback: Tim Westbrooks (112) fought off his back and a 3-0 deficit early in the second period to defeat Justin Heard, 7-3. First Match: McCallie 8th grader T.J. Satterfield (285) won his first varsity match with a 3-0 triumph against Chase Orr. contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net

McCallie-66 Ringgold-6, Ringgold won the 103lb match.

It would be nice. I just thought making way sounded like we moved without a fight. I just meant that if it was a weight he wanted to be at we wouldnt just make way. We may get beat and have to move up or down but getting beat sounds better than, MAKING WAY. I know it sounds stupid, but i would rather my kids fight for something they want than to not challenge at all. I just should have left it alone, BH

Jonathan doesn't feel holding five more pounds is needed to accomplish his goals. He was asked to wrestle one tournament at 140 by his Coach. He did what was asked of him to please another parent. It was never his intention of wrestling 140. He actually is certified at 135 but after his injury we just felt like healing his body was more important than cutting weight. I hope that answers your question. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

I don't know why this stuff is being said but its not what my family is about so enuff said, for chatttownrasslin I assure you that my kids do not make way for no one, with all due respect. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

In response: I want to thank all my friends, arent we having the time of our lives. I wish that even my fueding friends will come to their senses and realize that these days will come to an end much too soon. All we will have left are our memories and talk of what we witnessed. Relating to the Justin Cash-Patrick Marchetti match (were you not entertained). Wrestling in itself is so very personal, the combatants are exchanging blood, sweat and tears right before our eyes. I think that is what draws us to the sport. Every memorable match is like a battle in life because as all of us adults know life can change with out a moments notice and so can a wrestling match, I believe this is what I want my children to take from there wrestling careers. I was asked the question yesterday if I were the parent of either Cash or Marchetti would I move up or down a weight class to ensure a better chance of my child winning a state championship. I honestly dont know because Ive never thought about things that way. I do know that without bringing it up that my middle son has said to me that he would like to know what its like to be on the same mat as Jake Young. He wants to know just what he could do against him, I know from this questioning where he would be if it was up to him. So in response its up to the individual, what do you want to take from your wrestling career. Is winning state championships the only goal or is it learning about what your made of, what drives you. I as his parent: I think hes absolutely crazy for thinking like that but he aspires to be the next great wrestler from the state of Tennessee. These are the young men he looks up to, the standard to which he will be compared. I ask you fans again (were you not entertained). I know Blaike, his father, and his papa loved every minute of the battle. Two of our best going toe to toe, testing their skills for our enjoyment. I think we know as adults what these two young men are made of. As a parent I feel like we get a chance to live three lives, one is our own: the other is living through our children and hopefully getting the oppurtunity to live through our grandchildren and then its gone. Lets enjoy the ride. Much love to my JT Money, you are coming into your own. Won Central and OW and you are doing it your way. Love Dad. /popcorneater.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":popcorneater:" border="0" alt="popcorneater.gif" />

I'm telling you guys this has to be the best tournament, i love the set up. 8 matches in two days, u can't beat it. I think for two young teams McCallie and Soddy showed alot of fight and the future looks bright. I vote Hamm and House keep the rankings. I vote to see tea bagging in mens and womens wrestling matches. I can't quit laughing. /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

After a tough couple of days this is just what I needed to come home and read, i know every father raising a daughter at least will go to bed with a few bad thoughts of girls wrestling boys. I'm freaking rolling. /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

I know what you speak of Raider, we spoke of that brain fart later that night. I just feel like when i get on them about being more careful they arent comfortable on the mat. If you remember last year against Holloway in the final he did the same thing and it took him right out of the match but its a thing of beauty when its done right and entertaining for the fans, including his biggest fan, me. Besides who did i call for home owners insurance, so just know that we respect your advice and i always enjoy talking wrestling with you. /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

Raider76, I too love the intensity-but instead of calling it sloppy we just call it wrestling. I wish that the kids were a little more reserved sometimes, you know- work the edge of the mat, only try to hit a half-hearted shot on the edge make it look like they came to wrestle, I've actually preached about trying to protect a lead but that doesn't work for us. So, what i've tried to do is get them as strong and flexible as possible, plus i added a dash of stamina so that they can wreak as much havoc as there big hearts desire. My kids may never have great records nor multi state championships but when we get home from a weekend of wrestling, win or lose-they can't wait to go back to practice, lift weights, and get ready for the next competition because they are having fun, getting ready for the next show. Really all that matters, plus their dad loves to watch them enjoy doing something that requires endless hours of preperation for 6 minutes of heck. At least thats what we hope to do, but they do tend to get a little sloppy. /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

It was a good day, I missed my friend. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

Mike, as you know from Blaikes quarterfinal match, dad just can't sit still-the kids get the emotion from their dad. I hope your shoulder is o.k., i know i was putting alot of pressure on it- not including the neck wringing i gave you when i thought Blaike was gonna get that pin to make it to the semi's but alas it was not to be and we fight on but I'm so proud to call you a friend, this wrestling community are our friends, even my old classmate from Red Bank-Eddie Davis running up to me in the stands after Jonathans final match, its times like those that make it all worth it. I even enjoyed a couple of fresca's with Tracy Duncan after the semifinals and as much as I enjoyed that match and seeing J.T. win, I hurt some for a young man that I care about and respect as a competitor surpreme. Coach Emily always preached to the boys that win or lose they will know we were there. When people watch my kids wrestle they will always know that Coach E. is with them on the mat, as soon as we got to the van last night J.T. wanted to know if I had talked to Coach, as I've said before when my kids ask about Coach I know who they are talking about, I said I bet if you called him right now he would answer, true to form Coach answered. Coach Emily is grieving for the loss of his grandmother today but at somepoint today he will think about the young men that he so dearly loves and know that this weekend they truly fought like MIGHTY WARRIORS. Brian Henry /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" /> I also need to add - Got a call from Nashville last night from Mr. Wright from Father Ryan, Dylan's Dad. You guys are indeed a class act and some of the best people I've ever met.

We like to say in this house" WERE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED", I'm proud of my LION and we are proud to be a part of the EBE, there are brighter days ahead for The McCallie School. To quote one of my all time wrestling idols.

What ever happened to I just freaken lost. I got one for ya " if, if and butts were candy and nuts we all would have a merry xmas. I thought Calloway wrestled great all weekend save for one match, he lost- 13 other kids lost in finals matches, they weren't fluke moves they were winning moves. This family goes all in, you win some, you lose some. If your man enough to accept the victories be man enough to accept the losses and move forward. I had a son today run through an opponent for a 6-0 lead in one minute first period, he got caught at the beginning of the second and didn't make it out of it. Crap Happens, I also had one son that never got caught this weekend and I'm darn happy. You go J.T. Money. Love Dad. /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

Your just holding the party line cupcake, what: with your son wrestling for Baylor middle and all. We could only expect that's where your money would be.

You and Sexy just need a good CHEESE this morning.

Rmc, didn't Mitchell come from Dacula., not saying anything bad about the program, it is awesome, just repeating what may be a mad parent said.

Last year when the olphers wrestled Collins Hill, the match was not very close at all. Then some of our parents started wondering how the high school team was so dominate and the middle school team was less than impressive. Then one of the Collins Hill parents told us how they do it at Collins Hill, they just have the club teams like rmc said but when it comes to the high school team kids transfer from all over the place to be a part of the Collins Hill wrestling program. Rmc, i saw your post on the holloways but did the big guy from walton wrestle against you guys. Your 140 doesn't happen to be Joel Smith by chance.

Stanfield-Laf., Holloway-Walton

Well, this looks like alot fun. Two of the top Dual teams in the country, 5 of the top teams in our state. Someone please bring lots of ice and ace bandages, they may all walk in but lets pray there able to all walk out. Baylor is pretty dang smart on there exam taking dates. They would'ev made 4 schools from D2, thats alot of filming. I'm thinking about hiring a professional, bcb and associates! /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

I think Cleveland wrestled North Cobb tonight, Josh Wards team.