I tell people he wrestles like great pool players play. He sees three or four steps ahead. He is so confident and he sees things so far ahead.

I don't think for a long time my parents even knew I was wrestling, even though they had arranged it. I wasn't getting those questions from home, I was getting them from Mr. Gray. That became such a positive relationship for me. All of a sudden, I wanted to see him and tell him how things were going. He was a role model - somebody I could look up to.

The only reason why I know is because I get asked all the time.

The state tournament and seeing him was something I always looked forward to. To me, I wish we could do more to celebrate and acknowledge what he's done for the sport of wrestling in the state. He was a great man there's no doubt about it.

They were prepared to play the long game.

Our kids decided in the second half that they wanted to play Saturday. Third is the best we can finish, and we're going to try to do that.