Matmonster's post makes absolutely no sense. If Johnson Central had not brought their elementary team, the region would have been a joke. The total number combined in the region would have been less than 25. Instead of other teams being jealous, they need to get to work. J.C. and coach Matney have no secret formula. It's simply hard work. Did you see the dozen or so volunteer coaches who give up their time and money for the Central program? This is what makes J. C. successful. As for loading up a team, Johnson Central does exactly what everyone else does. They use only the feeder schools that go into their high school; which by the way is fairly small (about 1000 students at the h.s.). As for going to state, I do not know how many will go because of a couple of reasons. #1 We missed 20 days of school and since our youth league does not start till January most of our kids have only practiced 4 or 5 days. Our youth league has already paid big dividends and we do not plan on changing our format. #2 financially a trip to Louisville for some of our kids may not be possible Just to let you know...I agree w/ matmonster!! Regionals were nothing if not a crock! Trust me our team definitely need not take lessons from JC! Nothing against the kids...just the ethics of the officials..or should I say lack there of? Our little Martin Co. team managed to hold their own just fine...As a matter of fact...my son wrestled ALL his matches against JC and WON them all! I'm sure there's not any jealousy toward JC...it's only distaste for the way in which they handle theirselves. I am at every single practice and I can state for a fact there's no amount of hardwork that JC or anyone else for that matter that we don't match if not beat...Who's problem is it that wrestling didn't start in time for JC to be ready? Sounds like an excuse to me..hmm? The only people it hurts are the kids that give their all but yet can't get anyone dedicated enough to help them practice and prepare in ample time to accomplish what needs to be done. I don't want to seem like I have a problem w/ the kids...it's not that at all. But I will not sit with my mouth shut...when I too have a son and nephews that wrestle and deserve to be treated with dignity. Yeah it's fun to win a team trophy but what for? B/c you out number everyone? What's that about? Go by a trophy and tell the kids you're sorry but regionals is REQUIRED for the ones going to state!Better yet send em our way and we'll make sure that if they go through the trouble of practice and regionals we'll make sure they get to wrestle in a much deserved spot for state.
