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Boys Town senior Chris Leak competes at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament at Qwest Center Omaha Feb. 14, on way to a runner-up finish in the 185-pound division. Leak was applauded by tournament officials and fans for his outstanding display of sportsmanship when he congratulated his opponent who he lost to in the final match.
Click here to view the video.
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Boys Town junior Kevin Barrett scores on a takedown on his way to a second state championship at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament.
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Cowboy Wrestlers Make Their Mark at State Tournament
Kevin Barrett Wins Second State Title
The Boys Town High School wrestlers continued their strong performance at the Nebraska School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament with four medalists, including state champion Kevin Barrett, leading to a fourth-place finish.
Kevin Barrett, a 215-pound junior, won his second state title beating Skutt’s Matt Muschall with a third-period pin. Chris Leak received a second place finish after losing 3-2 to Crete’s Marcus Smith in the Class B 185 title match. Other Boys Town medal winners were third place finisher Sandi Stanback (285) and sixth place finisher Jay Jacobson (112).
“The kids battled and wrestled the best they could,” said Aaron Groff, Head Wrestling Coach. “Part of wrestling is staying relaxed and approaching it the same we have all year. Our four medal winners really attacked.”
Groff also gave a special nod to Leak who lost in the finals, but was given nothing but positive feedback from tournament officials and fans for displaying strong character and outstanding sportsmanship. Though he lost, Leak immediately clapped for his opponent and gave him a hug, congratulating him on his victory. Please read the sidebar to this article and overlook.boystown.org for some of the positive remarks.
“At the end of the meet he still had a smile on his face which demonstrated nothing but great sportsmanship,” Groff said.
The cowboy wrestlers placed fourth overall with 83 points behind Skutt who won Class B with a record 256 points.
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Boys Town senior Chris Leak’s display of sportsmanship at the state wrestling tournament garnered many positive remarks from those who attended the tournament. Following are emails Boys Town received applauding Chris' display.
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Coach Groff -
I am the assistant coach at Lincoln Christian High School... I was seated very close to the class B mat for the tournament finals and was watching the match between Chris Leak and Marcus Smith. It is my understanding this was not their first meeting of the year. The actions by Chris at the conclusion of his match were a model of sportsmanship. ...I don't believe I have ever witnessed a wrestler in a losing effort applaud his opponent immediately after the final whistle. There was something distinctively classy about what he did.
I can see that his actions had a positive impact on a lot of people and our sport. While you may not be teaching the specific sportsmanship he displayed, I'm sure it is no small part due to your influence on him. Thank you for your work with your wrestlers...
Sincerely,
Bill Lahman
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I live in a small town in western Nebraska and have two boys that have been wrestling for the last 12 years… I have been to many meets and state meets. This year at state as I watched all the matches, I would like to say that I saw the greatest display of sportsmanship that made me proud to be a wrestling supporter. I would like to thank your 189 wrestler Chris Leak for that display. THANK YOU CHRIS!!!
Best wishes,
Sherri Jenkins
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I wanted to take the time to email you and let you know how impressed I was with Chris Leak's display of sportsmanship.
I attended the State Tournament with my son on Thursday and Saturday and watched many matches throughout the two days.
I have never been so impressed by the display of sportsmanship that Chris Leak displayed. People are always commenting on the negative behavior students' display, but rarely point out the good. I have told everyone I could how impressed I was with his behavior. I often tell my son it is not whether you win or lose, but how you win or lose that makes you the person you are. Please pass on to Chris how impressed I was with his behavior and I wish him nothing but the best for his future.
Congrats on a fine, young man.
Theresa Johnson, Seward, Nebraska
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