Groveport Madison Open Mats CANCELLED.

• cruiser_96

  

  Or CANCELED. (It would seem to me that this word should contain two "ells" but hey, whatevs.)
  
  As many of you know, the Groveport Madison levy failed. And while the margin of failure was less than 20 votes, it does appear that any provisional ballots or even a recount will not sway things into the direction of a passed levy.
  
  Because of this, a number of sports, to include wrestling, will be relegated to "club" level. This should overall decimate the wrestling program to a point that would make it basically non-existent. Because of this, I will be moving on to the next chapter in my life. Part of this transition is shutting down open mats.
  
  For those who have attended, my brother and I have enjoyed it since day one. In those early days, (I'm pretty sure it was the spring of 2004) not too many people showed up. Actually, more times than not, no one showed up. So my brother and I would go best two-out-of-three takedowns. Make no mistake...fatigue ALWAYS won! But as word spread, a Teays Valley kid (who had already graduated) would show up, and then a handfull of Canal kids eventually trickled in. By 2008 I thought things were really going great. I think we hit a three-year peak from 2008 to 2010. During that time we had probably 25 to 35 kids, from various parts of the city, showing up week after week, all summer long. It truly was something great. Even already this spring I think we've had as many as 20 kids at a few of the sessions.
  
  At any rate, these open mat sessions are now cancelled. If something changes, I will most certainly announce it.
  
  As for what the future holds, it is as this point unclear. August could see another push to the ballot. So could November. Things could change. But for the immediate future, the Tuesday night open mat session hosted by Groveport Madison, occuring at Groveport Madison Middle School North - enter through the back - are shut down.
  
  The good thing though is that Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Worthington Kilbourne, Central Crossing, and a few others are still conducting their open mats. GO!!!
  
  EDIT: Now that I think abou tit, "discontinued" might have been a better term. I'll mull it over.
• headlock165

  Cruiser,
  
  
  
  
  I want to thank you for all that you do. I don't wish your situation upon my worst enemy. We went through it in 2009 and it disrupted many lives. It's an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Again, thanks. We (Central Ohio) can only hope you and your brother stay involved regardless of the outcome.
• rassler

  Sad news for the kids. Thank you and your brother for all you have done.
• lion69

  It is a sad day for wrestling and for Groveport. Back in the day 1965 Groveport was one of the few schools that had a wrestling program. We routinely won the Mid-eight and did well in a district that was a one day tournament with no wrestlebacks. In fact Chris Graves won a district championship in 1964 at 2:00 in morning. Hope somehow the program can survive. Monk
• Cthelites

  Keep faith my Brother!
  Hilliard's levey was beaten by several votes 2 yrs ago and the absentees and provisionals got it over the top.
  
  If it doesnt pass its a shame for you and big Cruiser AND the kids at the Port!!!!
  
  I hope you will continue with your fantastic website "Inside The Circle"
  
  Thanks for all you do for wrestling and in particular Central Ohio Wrestling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Dust_E_Roads

  Maybe take some solace in the Marysville situation. Their November levy got absolutely SMOKED, and then they came back with a better story and it passed when re-tried in May. Hopefully, GM will try again in August and it will yield better results.
• cruiser_96

  

  :hard-nosed:
• theviking

  mark can you call me Todd Nace
  
  this is a sad day for all cruisers
• cruiser_96

  

  I'll see you Saturday (New Albany). I'd love to talk to you though.
• monarchpride

  Marysville did pass thier issue this week, however what failed in November was a new money issue, what was passed this week was renewal. We cut over 47 teachers and if we failed the renewals we would have been looking at another 50 and sports would have looked drasticaly different.
  
  Very sorry for the port and the kids that are affected.
• cruiser_96

  

  Just a reminder... Open mats are not happening.
  
  If and when something changes, I'll let you know.
  
  Thanks.
• bw133

  This open mat along with a few others provided a safe haven for mat rats like myself, Matt Perez Andrew Higgins Eric Wolfe Jakey Weisman and many others. This open mat is such a big reason that I made it to "the show" my senior year. I made the 40 minute drive almost every Tuesday that year and it was a blast. I met new people, made many friends, and was blessed with the countless opportunities to strap em and scrap. You won't find a more humble, passionate, and compassionate person than the cruisers. Thank you for everything you have done.
• cruiser_96

  

  :thumbs up: *Like
• 1prouddad

  Very sad news - I hope things turn around. I'd hate to see one of the best central ohio tournaments go by the wayside.
  
  My son is graduating in a couple of weeks - on to play football at Heidelberg, but I planned on always coming back to see the Cruiser Invitational. Hopefully things will change in Groveport come August!
  
  Thanks for all you've done for Central Ohio Wrestling!
• Lou Demas

  First the Olympics, now this! Sad year for wrestling. I hope where one door closes an other opens for you. You have given much to the sport!
• hang_loose

  Lou Demas;1442983 wrote:First the Olympics, now this! Sad year for wrestling. I hope where one door closes an other opens for you. You have given much to the sport!

  Agree 1000%. Cruiser_96, you are such a great ambassador(sp) to the sport (especially high school) of wrestling. If you're going to move on, go into wrestling (sports) broadcasting. You've got the "gift of gab" and are very entertaining. Couldn't even tell you how many times I've laughed over your posts... Heck, you could even start your own "High School Sports Show":thumbup:!
• cruiser_96

  

  Thx, guys.
  
  Lou: I'm thinking a door could open.
  
  hang_loose: In reference to Lou's point, Inside The Circle could see a bit more attention this year. One of the things I know to be true is as nice as any website could be, as cool as any video footage can be, there is something about the printed press - the feel of the newspaper or magazine in hand - that makes the difference.
  
  Even with knowing that info, we'll still "press" on. (Press on? As in "press"? ..No? Nothing!? Buh...) Anywho, we'll see. I told a few guys through text message or email that I'm in a situation I haven't been in for ten years... No open mats and no schedule from roughly late October through mid-March. As for what I can do with myself, anything I want, really. Family, church, if available, assistant, volunteer assistant (PAV & CPR still good), GOhio, the aforementioned Inside The Circle, or maybe join the circus! (Just kidding about the circus!)
  
  We shall see.
• snugglyhippo

  first the fat boys break up, now this. Ain't nothin left to believe in anymore...
• hang_loose

  Watch out Flo...... Might be a new kid moving in:thumbup:.
• cruiser_96

  

  Disorderlies was an underratted film.
• Dust_E_Roads

  cruiser_96;1444208 wrote:Disorderlies was an underratted film.

  What other film could combine The Fat Boys and Ralph Bellamy?!?
  
  Man, you just sent me into the Way Back machine, college edition.
• Cthelites

  Cruiser...sorry to hear that the levy went down by 12 votes on the recount.
  12 freaking votes! WOW!
  I feel for you your Bro and all your kids.
• cruiser_96

  

  I readja, Cthelites.
  
  We'll forge ahead.
  
  "Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man."
• snugglyhippo

  wait, wait, wait...does this mean also there will be no cruiser invitational? No more awesome awards? No more of the world being treated to my velour-toned voice during the finals? No more fake gucci handbags for sale in the lobby?
  
  "Veiwing"...around for a bridge to throw myself off...
• cruiser_96

  

  Sadly, The Cruiser Invitational is currently a tournament that once was. The likelyhood of it happening is slim to none. I have joked with my brother about running it just because, I have a feeling that tomorrow will most likey be the last time I step foot in Groveport Madison High School.
  
  I mentioned this today too... I feel bad for the kids. We tried our best to celebrate them and their efforts as best we could. To go along with that, I fell bad for Kade Kawolski (3V). He was on pace to be the first 4x TCI champion.
  
  It truly is a sad state of affairs.