Many responsible for program's success

A Vietnamese proverb states, "When eating fruit, think of the person who planted the tree."

Upon submitting my resignation as the SHS wrestling coach, I was fortunate enough to receive numerous compliments concerning my efforts and the success of the program. In reality, however, I know that success, whether it occurs in the classroom or on the mat, is rooted in a community of caring individuals who possess a profound sense of purpose and a willingness to make the necessary sacrifices for the sake of fulfilling that purpose.

When being interviewed about my decision to resign, Eric Plummer asked if there was anything I wanted to add. I thought for a moment about all of those individuals who had "planted the tree." In short, there are just too many. They range from the obvious youth coaches to the not-so-obvious volunteer assistants like Jesse Watson, who, for over a decade, has been coming into the SHS wrestling room and taking time off from his construction sites to travel with the team to various tournaments in the Northwest. There are others like Jay and Danni Peterson, who were nothing short of selfless in planting this tree, overseeing fundraisers, organizing meals, even planning off season trips. Dick Ross, the middle school wrestling coach and my assistant coach for the past few years. Coach Ross understands technique and strategy, but, more importantly, he understands kids. Many of our successful wrestlers over the past five years did not have club experience — but they did have Coach Ross at SMS.

And still there are others: Jeff Beyers, who oversaw the INWC; Janna Hull, who took time off from work to assist with INWC; Bill, Nancy, and Steve Miller, who have announced, supported, and coached; Rick and Rhonda Larson, who have taken time to both work and support the program; Dr. Tom Lawrence, whose services have been invaluable over the years; the SHS administrators (past and present) who have provided SHS coaches with the resources necessary to wallpaper the gymnasium in state championship banners and positively influence young lives. And still there are more …

The deepest roots of the tree, however, speak to the efforts of the parents. They have provided their children (my wrestlers) with eyeglasses to see the world as it should be seen. In short, you get out what you put in.

So while I appreciate the kind words, I know, as should you, that I have been fortunate to enjoy the fruits of others' labors.

MIKE RANDLES

Sandpoint High School