Thursday July 22, 2010

Gary had his first article on the website before we could even get across the street to the hotel.  That's why he makes the big bucks !  So if you read the headlines, you'll find that we put another American on the podium.  Amy Whitbeck turned it up a notch in the second and third periods and scored with three seconds to go.

Amy showed what Coach Steiner is referring to as a "Sense of Urgency".  She never gave up her focus or composure, but battled like the medal depended on it.  I hope our others, who came up short, were paying attention.

I spent an hour, this morning, with another of those Dear Friends that have become part of my life.  Agi Rabakozi and her family kind of adopted me in 2001.  I was in their home town, Szekesfehervar (quick... pronounce that !) competing in the Veterans' World Championship of Greco. 

Agi was a university student at the time and volunteered as an English translator.  We have stayed in contact over the last nine years.  Agi was married to Oliver in 2006 and I got to visit here and meet him in 2007.

Since then Agi has become a Mom to Oliver Jr, 16 months, and is expecting Lujisa in early September.  This is just one of those typical families that you meet in the wrestling world... damned good people.

So, I got to be Grandpa' on the road for an hour this morning.  Little Oliver is very active and very clever.  Many of the Greco delegations were in the lobby for busses to the airport.  The little one had a great time inspecting all the guys and their baggage.  So many cool toys and hiding places !

I'm not going to dwell on any so-called ‘down-side'.  Rather, I will simply say that there is always balance... in wrestling... in life.  My friend... Our Friend, Cliff Buerke died last night.  Cliffy had taken a fall recently and discovered some cancer hiding inside him. 

Cliffy was a gentle human who knew how to love and be loved.  I am one of thousands who are smiling at memories of Cliffy's life tonight.

Ciao