Send Coach K's and Coach Neely's Wrestlers to Norman

Friends,

As many of you know, I have been lucky enough to serve as assistant coach at West Charlotte High School for the past two years. During that time, despite the fact that we lack a middle school program, we have had four state qualifiers, three state place-winners, and wrestled our way to the best finish in school history.

Some of you have been lucky enough to meet my wrestlers. You know that in spite of the challenges associated with attending the poorest high school in North Carolina, they are maturing into amazing young men and champion athletes.

This summer, they have the opportunity to attend Mark Cody's wrestling camp at the University of Oklahoma. I was lucky enough to wrestle for Coach Cody in college and it was the best experience of my life. Anyone who knows Coach Cody knows that he is the finest coach in the United States for building both champions and well-rounded young-men. For my wrestlers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: they will be able to see parts of the country beyond Charlotte; they will live and train alongside champions; they will be staying on a Big 12 Campus; and they will be able to see the kind of life that is possible for them if they continue to persevere.

You all know what wrestling has done for me. I want it to have the same impact on these kids - they deserve it.

You are all my friends. You know how much I hate asking for anything, let alone money. But on this occasion, I ask that you help me raise $6,000. This will cover the cost of renting a van; meals to and from Norman; gas; snacks for the kids; and one night in a hotel on the drives to and from Norman.

I know times are tough, but they are tougher for some than for others. Anything you can give will be appreciated.

In relentless pursuit,
Coach Kilstein