I am at the USA Wrestling State Leaders Summit in Orlando, FL with Keith Smith. This has been quite an experience for me to observe to see just how this big group functions to provide services for all of our wrestlers in the United States. I will be commenting more on Kentucky Wrestling News once we return.
There is one thing I have learned and I think it is important for all of you to know about our organization in Kentucky. Keith Smith is a true asset to Kentucky wrestling and his dedication to seeing our state grow through USA Wrestling is well recognized by many people within the upper ranks of USA Wrestling and is unparalleled in his passion for wrestling in his state. Coach Smith fought to make sure that there would not be a raise in cost for athletes to join. There will be a minor raise but he has guaranteed that KYUSA Wrestling will absorb the cost to ensure that we keep growing. There were also some costs raised that concerned Keith so much that he left the meeting before the discussion had concluded fearing we would lose USA Wrestling in our state. As we were walking out, one of the executive members noticed Keith was upset, stopped us outside of the meeting, and assured him that due to his passion and hard work, Kentucky would find ways to absorb the cost with the help of USA Wrestling to keep the cost down for our teams and wrestlers.
Those of you thinking about joining AAU or MIWAY should really consider all of the hard work that Keith Smith puts into developing our USA Wrestling program. I can remember when USA Wrestling was dead in KY and how little opportunities there were for our wrestlers throughout the offseason. Thank you Keith Smith for your desire, passion, and hard work for building opportunities through USA Wrestling in Kentucky.