Wasn't sure if there'd be a new thread for KC reports, but just saw Ozark's post, so here goes.
Man, what a weekend. This was my sixth, and my Dad's fifth nationals, and it was great. We talked to a guy in SCE who was going to his first, and I told him he's going to get hooked. Then, when we arrived back in SCE, we ran into each other at baggage claim, and he said, "Remember what you said? We're already planning on Philadelphia." It really is a great experience.
Got to meet Kerry McCoy, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He made it seem as though we'd still be standing there talking today, if we had wanted to. For those who don't know, he's the Director of the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club, which also serves as the RTC.
Saturday afternoon, we were finishing up lunch at Jack Stack (sorry
@OzarkLion, we had a reservation), when we heard that Kasak and his family were in the next room. So, we went over to their table and congratulated him. Of course, he was receiving all of the love, when I realized Braeden was sitting on the other side of Tyler. I got his attention, and said, "Next year." He responded with a nod that showed me he appreciated the recognition, and that he left unfinished business in the arena. I predict young Mr. Davis comes back with a vengeance.
Jack Stack was great. Bordeaux and his buddies said Q39 was better, but that you get more food at Jack Stack. I'll have to try Q39 the next time.
On the way home, we sat in the gate area to Chicago with NC State. They were laughing and cutting up, including Trent. While boarding the plane, I had a chat with Adam Hall, who told me they fell short of their goals, but they'll use the losses as growth opportunities, and bounce back. Was able to tell Trent that he had a hell of a career as he walked back to his seat.
I also got to meet Mr.-Likes-to-Messages-Ratio-Man himself,
@Johnbrooks, Mrs. Brooks and two of Aaron's younger brothers. They were way calmer walking into the arena than I would have been, that's for sure.
The great thing about the tournament is that, while PSU travels well, you can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone (even Iowa fans). Had breakfast with Kyle Biscoglia's (graduated UNI last year) parents. They happened to sit down beside us, and we easily struck up a conversation.
Final story for this message...I looked down at Carter before his Mekhi match, and I didn't like his body language, facial expression, nor the facial expressions on Cael and Casey, who were kneeling on either side of him, to the point where I told my Dad about it, and that I didn't have a good feeling about it. There were some ISU fans there, who are family friends of the Varners, and one of them was rooting for PSU as much as he was for ISU. I put my head down on the rail in front of me, which this guy saw, and he came over and prayed over me, maybe for the both of us, but I think mostly for me. I don't think God picks sides in sporting events (well, maybe in some cases, like the finals of the Soldier Salute), but it definitely helped me through the match.
Anyway, as always, Nationals was a great time, and I hope to see many more.
