They didn't do as well at state as I had hoped, but the Royal wrestling boys had a good first year under new coach Randy Miller. Congratulations are in order for all of them, including the ones who rarely won.

Miller started the season with about 50 candidates. He still had more than 40 at the end. That's a tough accomplishment in what is probably the most demanding sport of all.

Royal qualified six wrestlers for state, and all six of them scored for the team. They totaled 59 points for 11th place. Royal finished 13th last year with 50.5 points.

Before state, I thought this team could finish in the top 5, and Royal was fifth with 18 points after the first round. I was excited for the team, but I sensed that Carter Allred's loss at 182 was a sign of how things would toughen.

They did. Darrin Miller, who looked unbeatable all year, was surprised, 8-6 in overtime, in the second round at 170 and fell out of contention for a title. For me, that was the biggest shock of the tournament.

It reminded of 1980-1990s Toppenish coach John Cerna. We'd assess things going into the post-season, and he would say:

"You never know what's going to happen at a tournament."

I mention Allred and Miller as matters of fact, not to point fingers. Crack athletes, they gave all they had.

One thing I learned long ago is to respect wrestlers. More than that, I admire them. When I cheer for a Royal, Wahluke or Granger winner, I feel bad for the other kid.

It's the loneliest moment right after a loss. It's you and the rest of the world, and you're looking for a place to hide.

My son Grover and his son Grover wrestled. I enjoyed watching them, when I could, but it was a tough experience. I thought a shoulder or knee would pop at any moment.

These boys, who were raised to be peace-loving, became war-like on the mats. At the same time, they played within the most strictly enforced code of conduct before, during and after a match. One little mistake can end your season.

When a match was over and my son or grandson lost, I couldn't talk to them for a good half hour. I had to wait for the brooding to end.

Thankfully, both made it to state. My son was fifth at 135 in 1A in 1994. His son finished eighth last weekend at 145 in 3A.

Grover Jr. lost the final match of his career, 5-1. So I waited until Sunday afternoon to talk to him. He appreciated the medal, but I could sense in his voice that he was still thinking about that final loss.

Twenty years from now young Grover will cheerfully answer "8th in state" when someone asks what he did in wrestling. Other boys, like Carter, will be happy to say: "I made it to state."