World of Wrestling - Roller Productions

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April 16, 2010

Good Morning Jack;

 

I just wanted to take a moment, now that I’m home and the dust has all settled,  to express our sincerest “Thank You” to you and your staff for such an excellent performance in  the management of the 2010 Reno Worlds Wrestling Championships.

 

From the superb Host Hotel accommodations, to the tournament itself, from the high quality referee’s to the outstanding selection of on-site product vendors, everything was simply “World Class”.

 

Every successful event must have someone at the top who sincerely cares, has outstanding management skills, and the experience necessary to guarantee a truly exciting experience for the wrestlers. You are indeed that person.

 

Thank you for all that you do for wrestling nationwide!

 

Ron Bresser

USA Stud Wrestling

Hillsboro ,Oregon, USA

 

January 25, 2010

I was just wanting to get a great big thank you to all of the medical staff that worked at the Tulsa Nationals tournament on Saturday night.  My son Nathan Champerlain (15 & under 157lbs) got injured in the 5 & 6 place match Saturday night.  He did fracture his C6 vertebrae during that match.  He, being the  wrestler that his is and having fallen like that several times in his wrestling career, wanted to continue wrestling.  The medical staff convinced him that it was not a good idea and continued to reassure him that he was going to be ok.  If they had not stopped him from wrestling he could have really done some permanent and severe damage.  Again I just wanted to say thank you to those wonderful people who helped my son.

Tracy Chamberlain

 

November 2, 2009

 

April 15th, 2008

Jack,
Just want to thank you for allowing me to officiate your tournaments this year and in years past. Also want to thank you for what you do for the youth and the sport of wrestling. Folks like you and your staff is what drives youth wrestling and everything at your tournaments is about the kids which I think is great. My wife and I really enjoyed our time at Reno Worlds and want to thank you again for allowing us to be there and be a part of it. It was great and we really enjoyed it.

Looking forward to next year as I do every year.....

Sincerely,
Denny and Rhonda Hensley
Pittsburg, Kansas

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May 28th, 2007

Jack,
I just wanted to take a moment today to reflect on the past ten years of my association with you and your family and your tournaments. I think we started going to them about 10 years ago. My oldest son Evan won 6 yrs old. Over the past ten years, he has never won one of your tournaments. He's always come very close and had many respectable finishes, but never walked away with the champion's trophy.

Well, after 10 years of competing and a lot of desire on his part to train as hard as he does, he won the '06 Cliff Keen Kickoff this past fall and received the outstanding wrestler award for most falls. He said to me, dad, we have to come back and go to the Tulsa Nationals and then to Reno. I really believe I can win the Trinity award.

Well, after all the years of idolizing so many of his peers who had achieved more and downplaying his own ability, Evan put it together and won the Trinity and another OW at Reno. I was just on the website to find out that apparently by points, he is also the Wrestler of the Year for the 15 and under division at the WOW tournaments for this year. Needless to say, he's ecstatic.

Thank you Jack for all your hard work. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and your staff. You truly have a bunch of great people in your organization. I know without your tournaments and so many long car rides home after defeat for so many years, that Evan would not be where he is today without your tournaments and the opportunities you provide for so many young wrestlers across America.

Thanks Jack from the bottom of my heart for the role you have played in our lives, not only for our family, but the entire Team Excel organization. We have nothing but respect.

Have a great Memorial Day and Evan thanks you, too.

Take care,
Steve Knight

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May 24th, 2007

Jack,
Reno was an excellent experience for our son. He gained great competitive experience at the most organized and smoothly run tournament I've attended. I most of all appreciated the emphasis put on a positive, moral, family oriented atmosphere.

Thank you and God Bless,
Amy Jordan

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May 15th, 2007

Jack,
I just want to say thanks for all the hard work you do for the sport of wrestling in the state of Oklahoma. Because I believe what you are doing are helping prepare the kids for high school and maybe college for some.

Thank you.
Rodney Jefferies

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April 13th, 2007

Jack,
Now that I'm over the jet lag, I wanted to take a minute to commend you on what myself and my two sons feel is the best tournament we've ever participated in. This past weekend was an awesome experience for us. We have never wrestled a tournament even in the same ball park as the Reno Worlds. While my 10 year old (Joey) finished a very respectable 4th at 61 pounds and my 8 year old was two and out, the competition was incredible. The venue was awesome and the tournament was run as a tournament should be run. We flew out from Baltimore MD and while on a plumbers salary, it was quite a hit on the wallet, I will work all the overtime necessary to make Reno every year with my boys.

Thank you again,
Joe Eberhard

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April 12th, 2007

Dear World of Wrestling,
You have the best ran tourney I ever been to with my son and outstanding compition. You have out classed every other large tourney.

Thanks. We will be back.

Brian Day

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January 27th, 2007

Dear Jack,
I know you get to see the reaction to the winners and losers of your tournaments, but I am not sure you realize what kind of impact your tournaments have, that extend months & years after the final trophy is handed out. My son Johnni, just completed his sixth season of participating in your World of Wrestling Tournaments. Every year, we counted the months & days down to every November & January. We both were extremely sad that it finally has come to an end, we will truly miss competing at these events.

Your WOW tournaments have offered a wide range of incentives and ambitious goals that allowed my son to set his sights, focus and work extremely hard. Originally it was just to win a match at one of your tournaments (which took he didn’t do until his second season), than to place, than to win a Tulsa tournament, make the WOW all star team, win the trinity award, be named outstanding wrestler and finally win wrestler of the year.

More importantly than all the great awards and accomplishments your tournaments offer wrestlers, it has probably been the best life lesson to being a father I have had. From traveling together, having a big goal to focus on, dealing with defeat, tears (dad’s) and disappointment, learning how to bounce back, not make excuses, and the sweetness of victories and celebrations that lasted weeks afterwards, we have had amazing experiences. The father & son quality time and bonding these events provided us are priceless and are memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you for providing us an opportunity!

At Your Service,
John R. Di Julius III

 

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January 19, 2005

Jack,
I would like to take this opportunity to commend you on a job well done. Tulsa Nationals has proven, once again, that it is still one of the premiere tournaments in the nation thanks to you. The hours of work and organization that goes into the tournament can be overwhelming yet the final product is something that all true wrestling fans should be proud to call their own.

I was fortunate enough to win two Tulsa National titles (1979-1980) and after Saturday night my son (Kyle) was able to experience the same excitement I felt 25 years ago. He told me the next day that it was one of the most exciting events he has ever experienced in wrestling. Danny Hodge even signed his bracket the same way he signed mine many years ago, "To the Champ, Danny Hodge".

To attract the best wrestlers in the nation and showcase them on a grand stage is truly remarkable. Keep up the good work so other families can experience everything this great sport has to offer.

Sincerely,
Mike Ryan

 

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February 13, 2005

Last week I had a very good conversation with Jack Roller. I was so very impressed with the time he took to answer several questions I had. After speaking with Jack, I have been able to make some very difficult decisions regarding the next couple of months wrestling. We live in Iowa and this year’s scheduling conflicts between AAU State and USA Nationals is a big disappointment. We enjoy both and this years schedule is forcing people to make a very difficult choice.

November 2004 was our first trip to Tulsa and I must say that it is a series of tournaments that will be on our schedule from this year forward. My son took 3rd at the Kickoff. The little guy was so proud of that trophy that he held it all the way home. Seven hours and he never put it down. He even fell asleep clinging tightly to that proud eagle atop the liberty bell. Isn’t that why we do it all, for our kids? My son has his share of trophies in his room but there are only two displayed in our family room. We were back down to Tulsa for the Nationals where again he took 3rd in division 3 at 110lbs. This is the second trophy in our family room, a great bronze eagle. These awards are awesome as they should be. I would not expect anything less from such a great organization that is offering so much to our kids.

In the end we had to choose between State, Nationals and Reno. I was really stressing over the decision, therefore I asked the one that I do it all for, my son. Justin did not have to think long, he simply said. “Dad I want to win Reno and the Mid America Classic. I want my name on that world team poster, just like Marshall did.” (Marshall Koethe, Justin’s cousin, whom has truly inspired him to work as hard as he does). My decision has now become an easy one, an expensive one but an easy one. Although the expense is heavy, I feel it will be worth it. In 10 and 20 years from now these will be his memories and as long as I am able, I must do my part in making them the very best memories for him to hold on to, not for seven hours, but for the rest of his life.

For all of you that will be in Reno, we will see you there for another great ran tournament that will most certainly take competition to the highest level.

Mark Koethe
Des Moines, Iowa

 

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January 24, 2006

Dear Mr. Roller,

I wanted to personally thank you for a fantastic weekend at the 2006 Tulsa Nationals. We have a small wrestling club called Thunder Wrestling in Sapulpa, OK. This year we were fortunate to have several of our wrestlers entered in your tournament. The experience for these young boys was truly special. Even though not all placed, the opportunity to wrestle against the best in the Nation was something they will never forget and they look forward to the 2007 competition.

I personally was very familiar with the Tulsa Nationals as a youth but never had the opportunity to experience the competition first hand. I did though have a link to what a Tulsa National Champion was like to wrestle. I lived in Oklahoma City and wrestled for Tri-City as a youth and then Hefner Junior High before entering High School. My wrestling partner above me was a guy named Mitch Brinlee, 7-time National Champion, and the one below me was Randy Parker, 3-time National Champion. These two gentlemen were not only great wrestlers but tremendous men. They taught me a lot about wrestling, a sport that I participated in only because there was nothing else to do between football season and track season for a guy who didn’t care much for basketball. They made me a better wrestler and I gave them someone to perfect their moves on in order to win Championships.

One year ago I took my 5 year old son to the 2005 Tulsa Nationals just to watch. It was my first time to actually get to sit in the arena and watch the National Championships that I had heard about for so many years. My son was in his second year of wrestling and seemed to truly love the sport. I thought this would be a good opportunity for him to see the best in the Nation and get a gage of whether this was something he would like to experience. We watched incredible wrestling for two days. The night of the finals changed my son’s interest from “wrestling is cool” to “I have to do this.” As we sat watching the Parade of Champions and wrestler’s being introduced my son looked up at me and said “I want to do that next year Daddy.” I told him he would have to work hard but that if he wanted it bad enough he could experience the Parade of Champions.

Saturday night I am very proud to say that when the Parade of Champions took place a little boy from Sapulpa, OK got to experience his first dream come true. He didn’t place first but took home the 4th place medal in Division I 55lbs. He was upset that he didn’t place higher but after I reminded him that he had accomplished his goal the smile came back on his face. Shortly thereafter he told me he has already set next year’s goal.

Mr. Roller what you have done for the sport of wrestling can never be matched. The lessons these young men and boys learn and the memories they will cherish forever are a true gift from a selfless man. Thank you again and we can’t wait till next year!

Sincerely,
Rick Wilson
Proud Father of Parker Wilson

 

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May 5th, 2005

Dear Mr. Roller,
My name is Rick Marcus and my son Dillon wrestled 64lbs. 10 yr. Old division this past weekend in Reno. After losing his first match 6-2, he came back and won four straight matches. This was kind of awesome for a kid that only has six months of experience. Anyway, he made it to the final eight before losing 5-1 to get into the medal round. I was so proud of him and your tournament was the highlight of his life. We met the best people and we will definitely be back next year. Thank you so much for putting on such a fantastic tournament. I am sending a picture of my son Dillon with your son Shane and Jamill Kelly. They were awesome guys to talk with and made my son feel like an All-American.

Thank you.

Rick Marcus
Florida

 

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April 18th, 2005
Dear Jack,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for providing one of the best tournaments I have been to in over 35 years of wrestling experience. We came from Illinois and we were very impressed by the whole event. With including the “Great Dan Hodge” to Shane Roller and Kendall Cross, you covered how great our sport has evolved thru the years. The video was so inspirational that I wished I was 30 years younger again. I had not had that feeling for a long time. This was the first Roller tournament that we have participated but I guarantee that we will be at them all next year. Your staff was helpful and made every kid feel like they were a champion. I sat there watching some of the best wrestling that I have seen in a long time. My son was so proud to be part of it and looks forward to seeing the friends he made there at your next tournaments. Please post your schedule for next year so we can make our plans early. For a long time, I have seen this sport move away from the kids having fun and learning to love this sport. You definitely have given me the hope that we are still there. Congrats on such a great tournament. Thank you and your wonderful staff for making our first experience a wonderful memory. We look forward to many memories in your tournaments for many years to come. Please forward me information on your events as soon as they are ready for notification. We plan on bringing more and more to every tournament. All tournament directors should work with you and your staff to see how it is done right. Have a wonderful summer and see everyone at the “Kickoff”.

John L. Anderson
Top Gun Wrestling
Tinley Park, Illinois

 

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January 21st, 2003
My son and I just got back to Delaware after our first trip to Tulsa and have nothing but great things to say about your tournament.

Even before my son was fortunate enough to win his 10-and-under 52 pound bracket, we thought it was the best experience he ever had. Winning the title was just icing on the cake.

Thanks for putting on such a great event.

Marty Valania
Newark, DE

 

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April 19, 2003
Dear WOW,
We were at the Reno WOW Tournament this past month, it was our second time attending. We were so impressed on how it was set up this year compared to last. While sitting in the stands, we heard all around us of how this tournament ran so much better. For that we thank you.

 

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April 8th, 2003
Just a quick message to let you know how happy we were with attending the 2003 Reno World of Wrestling Championships!

This being our 3rd year in attendance, we are now able to compare one year to the next. Each year that you manage to pull off an outstanding success, it makes it that much harder to equal or surpass that achievement in successive years, BUT, as usual, you found that successfull formula!

This edition of the Reno World of Wrestling Championships was absolutely "second to none"!!! Excellent all around, this event features superb weigh-ins, outstanding fairness in bracketing, a timing and event flow that is unmatched, and of course your awards are a knockout!!

My two sons have always enjoyed attending this event, and the moment the event ends, they are asking when we're coming back again. It's the "are we there yet" wait for another year!!!

You are to be commended on a job well done! There are not enough words to express the gratitude that we as parents feel at having an event of this magnitude, with such a high level of professionalism, to attend on an annual basis.

On behalf of all Oregon wrestlers, parents, grandparents, friends and followers, we offer our sincerest "THANK YOU" for all you hard work year after year!

Take Care and may God bless you all!!

Ron & Zenaida Bresser
Ronnie and Zechariah Bresser (Our little wrestlers)

 

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Date: April 19, 2002
Subject: Great Job on the tournaments

 

Jack,
You run some of the best tournaments I have ever been to. My son went to the Tulsa Kick Off and the Reno World. We had a great time and look forward to more!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You for all your DEDICATION and HARD WORK!

Brenda Sanford

 

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Jack,
This is Jimmy's last year of attending your tournaments in Tulsa due to the HS rules we have in Illinois. I just wanted to thank you for all the great tournaments and support you have been to my son. I firmly believe without the great tournaments you have had that we have attended Jimmy would never be half the wrestler that he is!

Thanks again,
See ya soon!
JIM

 

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Mr. Jack Roller
World of Wrestling
16112 South Lewis
Bixby, OK 74008

RE: Importance and Profound Impact of your WOW tournaments

Dear Jack:

I write this letter with deepest thanks to you and your tournament workers. My son Grant Miller just won a double national championship at the 2001 Cadet USA National Championships in Greco Roman and Freestyle. He is ranked #1 this year in all three wrestling styles for his age and weight. He also won the Illinois high school state championships at 189 and became the first sophomore to win Illinois at a weight above 152 (by Joe Williams who later starred at Iowa).

When I look back over Grant’s 5-year wrestling career, nothing had more of a profound impact on his rapid development than the totally positive experiences wrestling in your tournaments in Tulsa and Reno. There he measured his abilities against the best, and winning the Trinity Award established that he was developing into a consistent top competitor. Your tournaments have amazing lasting impacts on both Grant and me:

1. Each WOW tournament has been fantastic for wrestler and parent. WOW tournaments are enjoyable and enriching, with great competition, great prizes, great arenas, and extremely well run. Like chocolate, you want more – hard to wait until the next one.

2. From the first Tulsa tournament, Grant was immediately empowered with an attitude that he could compete at the national level, and should not settle for being just a good local wrestler. It provided an immediate national measuring stick and we knew that going to future WOW tournaments would be the best test to measure how he was improving.

3. Placing at WOW tournaments put him on the national map for Wrestling USA magazine and other accolades like ASICS Future Champions. Being nationally ranked is not just an ego booster, but it is one of the best motivators and rewards a young wrestler can receive.

4. Grant and I saw numerous nationally ranked wrestlers in all age brackets and we saw what made them great. We took the opportunity to introduce ourselves to some of them, and we learned a great deal. As a parent, I also learned many insights on how to help Grant develop. Grant learned how other champions prepare, compete and win. Without exception, each parent of a stud wrestler stated how important the WOW tournaments have been in the development of his/her son.

5. Returning to WOW tournaments is an incentive reward Grant works towards throughout the year – and we love visiting Tulsa and Reno.

6. Grant entered the Illinois state high school championship series and the USA Cadet Nationals with complete confidence he belonged there and that he performs well in big tournaments. Wrestling in big tournaments and in front of large crowds are both separate skills most high school wrestlers lack when they finally reach state competition. The kids’ club champions have a significant advantage over an opponent that has never wrestled in larger tournaments. WOW tournaments are the best we experienced to prepare for stepping in the circle in the state finals before 10,000 screaming fans.

I could go on with more, but here’s the clincher. If Grant had never started attending WOW tournaments, I know he would not have reached the mountain peak accomplishments he achieved this year. Perhaps he may have dropped out of wrestling. We see many talented local wrestlers capable of competing nationally and we know they would have developed their wrestling skills much further with national competition.

WOW tournaments are fantastic for improving the mind-sets of every wrestler competing. One of my Illinois friends told me at his first Tulsa tournament, “I can’t believe it, this completely changed my son’s attitude. He knows he is good enough to compete with the best, and he is wrestling better here than I ever saw before.” My conclusion and advice to coaches and parents – just get your wrestlers to a WOW tournament and expect positive results, regardless of how they place. It is a total winning experience. WOW tournaments improve young wrestlers.

We are forever grateful to you and your staff for pouring so much love and effort into each tournament. The benefits of participating will benefit Grant the remainder of his wrestling career, and each year the cost of attending the tournaments looks smaller and smaller in comparison to the many positives achieved. I already have a treasure of memories from Grant’s wrestling, and none better than being with him at WOW tournaments.

 

With deep and sincere gratitude,

GLENN MILLER,
Proud Father of Grant Miller

 

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Dear Mr Roller,

I would at this time, almost a year later, thank you and every person that was at the Reno tournament last year for you help, donations, and caring during last years tourney. Wrestling family really came to the forefront during the tournament. The subject I am speaking of is the automobile accident that our wrestler Juan Knapp was involved in, as you may well know we lost three of the most loved and friendly people in our community. Juans father, mother and sister graduated in that accident and will always be remembered in our community, which by no coincidence named our new wrestling room the knapp family memorial. What I would really like to say is all of you folks were so special to all of us in our time of need and it will never be forgotten. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

PS-by the way that night of the accident we were told BIG Juan wasn't going to make it, but do we have good news for all, with your prayers GOD seen to it that he not only made it but is hoping to be back on the mat this next high school season and to the Reno Tournament in 2002. It is my personal opinion that the Reno staff and parents and wrestlers at the 2000 tourney were a great example of what wrestling is all about.

Thanks to all of you, and may God be with you.

Rob Nelson from Club West Wrestling Eagle Point, Oregon.

 

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Jack,

My son and I have been coming to your tournaments since 1999. They are by far the best tournaments in the nation and we have been to most of them. Also my son and I had the pleasure of meeting your father in Reno this past week. He enjoyed talking to my son David and was rooting for him in the finals of the Division IV 120LB weight class. He is a fine gentleman.

The reason I am writing this note is that my son won the 2001 Trinity Award. This is the second Trinity Award as he also won in 1999 and was on your All Star Team.

The only problem is that he is listed under New Mexico as that is where his entry was submitted. We are from Florida and would life for you to put the state of Florida behind his name when publishing Champions on your web site and in USA Wrestling. This would bring continuity to your publications as he is already listed that way as your Cliff Keen and Tulsa Nationals tournament winner.

The state of Florida does not get enough credit for the outstanding wrestlers it produces and this would help lend creditability. In addition, I hope that this would inspire other young wrestlers from that state of Florida to attend you tournaments and try to win the "Hardest Triple Crown" in wrestling today.

Another one of your greatest fans.
Skip and David Craig
Brandon, Florida
Tuesday April, 10 2001

 

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Jack,

Thanks for a outstanding tournament! My little guy (Nathan 8&U 46) did great for his first big show!

As I told you he just started wrestling in January, even though he swept through Florida and by February won the State Championships this was what we both needed to get better. The entire weekend was a great experience for us and you'll be seeing lots of us, especially him!

Thanks again and we'll see you at the Ironman/Tulsa in May.

Scott Se gal
Proud Dad

Friday April 13, 2001

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Jack,

I want to express my sincere than you for the treatment your folks gave my son David Emch (145 high school) last weekend at the Kickoff Classic. Although I could not attend, my son had nothing but laudatory comments about his experience.

Now tat my son will go off to college somewhere next season, I would like to just thank you for teaching my son, thousands of kids, coaches and parents how great this sport really is and how exciting it can be. From many years of attending the Tulsa Nationals as a coach for Gross wrestling club and Kingswood (KWAA) wrestling club, I have been forever moved from those experiences. Your assistance to Mr. Newby to help start the National Tournament of Champions which I took over and gave the rights to KWAA and ran its first year under KWAA using many of the positive things we learned from Tulsa as a template.

I cannot start to imagine the lives you have touched in a positive way. Someday, when the Tulsa Announcer says, HE NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION, he just may because it may not be so obvious. Tulsa has 2 legends, the great Mr. Hodge and yourself.

Just in case our paths do not cross again, I just want to thank you. If you ever need something from Florida, let me know. I'll do what I can.

James D. Emch
Brandon, Florida
November 24, 2000

 

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Jack,

I would like to congratulate you on another outstanding tournament. Since our move to Florida, we have not had the pleasure of wrestling in your events after years at the Tulsa Nationals.

Although I could not attend, my son really enjoyed hit time there and the competition once again was top notch. The years of wrestling the Tulsa Nationals when living in Omaha were the years that motivated him to continue wrestling today.

Thanks for making our sport stronger.

James D. Emch
Brandon, Florida
November 18, 2000

 

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Dear Mr. Roller:

My name is Tim Poore, I have had the pleasure of speaking with you on several occasions, most recently at the Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic. I would like to tell you how much I appreciate all that you do for kids wrestling. Your tournaments are, without a doubt, the best. They are well run, have the best competition, the best officiating and they are well staffed. My sons, Andrew and Alex, are certainly looking forward to the Tulsa Nationals in 2 weeks. We are traveling from Oregon and we would not miss it, Your tournaments are the highlight of our wrestling season!

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your tournaments to make it a great experience for all of the wrestlers and their families.

Keep up the good work,
Tim Poore,
Portland Oregon
Jan 1, 2000

 

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Dear Jack,
We're from WV, and just wanted to let you know that we enjoyed the tournament very much. I would say it was ran better than we've ever been to before. Out oldest son wrestled in the 10 and under, and didn't place, our youngest son, Derek Wilson, wrestled the 6 and under and placed 6th. The only problem was we forgot about the 5th and 6th places. When Derek went to the losers bracket, he lost his next match, which was his second loss, and we left thinking he was done. We completely forgot the 5th and 6th place!!! I could have killed myself after we were 9 hours into out trip home and realized that! I 'm very sorry, we would not have left for home with another match to wrestle for a million dollars!! It would mean the world to my 7 yr old son if you could PLEASE mail him his medal, he was very upset to say the least. If you could do that, it would be very much appreciated. His name is Derek Wilson, he wrestled 6-under 46lbs and placed 6th. Thanks in advance for your help, and for holding a wonderful tourn. that my kids will never forget!!!!!

Sarah
January 17th, 2000

 

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Dear Jack,

Thanks for the great tournament, Jimmy finally got back on track, and it was nice to see him really enjoy a win. Before he lost, at the Cliff Keen, it seemed like he was happy when he won a tournament, but kind of took it for granted,. After that loss, I don't know if you remember, but you told him that "That loss will make you come back and be a better champion." and it did he worked hard and it paid off. Our team came down with high expectations, even though we knew how tough the Tulsa Nationals are, and we only had 1 champ and one second. Proving that indeed the Tulsa Nationals is the best tournament around. You run great tournaments, and it's people like you that make wrestling the great sport that it is. Thanks again for the great award that Jimmy got, it is a great idea, and was quite a surprise.

Thanks again Jack, will see you soon,
Jim
Jan 20th, 2000

PS- Jack, Do you know how I can get a copy of you presenting Jimmy with the 10 and under award? We were so surprised we were tripping over our camera bag, and we didn't get any pictures or video.

 

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Mr. Jack Roller, Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic Tournament Director
World of Wrestling
16112 South Lewis
Bixby, Ok 74008

RE: Kudos for the staff of the Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic

Dear Jack and all staff members:

Great Job!!

Outstanding Tournament!!

Deep thanks to all for your substantial personal efforts in hosting this tournament. Your hard work flowed downstream through your volunteers and referees and improved the quality of the individual matches and the enjoyment of those in the stands.

My son Grant is just twelve, but because your tournament was designed, organized, and run so professionally and efficiently, Grant successfully competed from the beginning of the day through to the end of the tournament. Most tournaments we attend unnecessarily consume Grant's energies with last minute match pairings and match times, along with last minute changes and other hassles like the annoying and endless match assignments beckoning and warning the wrestlers over the speaker system.

Grant benefited greatly from being free of negative energies and having no wasted time. He was able to concentrate on preparing property for each match and competing at his best. This tournament by far is the most "Wrestler Friendly" we have encountered. We especially liked the following features which we had not experienced at any other tournament:

1. Only one mat was assigned for a given age/weight bracket for the entire tournament.
2. All matches were pre-numbered and shown on the bracket sheets.
3. Brackets were frozen at the time of weigh-in.
4. Bracket sheets were available to the wrestlers upon weigh-in.
5. Music was played during most of the tournament.
6. Wrestling celebrities were present and available for autographs.
7. Each place winner was individually photographed (with a celebrity/legend).
8. Good sportsmanship awards were given out liberally.

We found the referees to be the best we have ever experienced, and we noticed from beginning to the end that there was a total absence of disputed calls and angry coaches and parents. I believe the efficient organization and having matches start on time took an enormous pressure off the referees from being expediters and mat policeman. The table workers had sufficient time to have the on deck wrestlers ready to start their match as soon as the match in process ended. The matches flowed smoothly and quickly.

We met parents, coaches and wrestlers from many Oklahoma clubs and one thing was a constant - every person was friendly and sincere. Nice folks - you should be proud.

I believe that the quality of an organization or an event is a direct reflection of the person in charge. So the resulting correlation points to Jack Roller must be a class act, and that conclusion matches my initial impressions from first calling and then meeting you. So thanks, Jack, everything was better than we had hoped for and Grant and I plan to recruit more Illinois wrestlers to attend the Tulsa Nationals and next year's Kickoff Classic.

Jack, thanks also for the personal time you gave us during your busy day as well as your kind words and hospitality. Even if Grant had placed much lower, we still would feel that your tournament was well worth the 700 mile drive down from Northern Illinois.

Let me know if I can help you in the future.

Very truly yours,
Glenn D. Miller, CPA & CVA
Adviser to Business Owners
& Proud Dad of Grant Miller

CC: Staff of the Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic Tournament:
Russ Layne
Ricky Rooks
Steve Dalton
Rusty Nail
All others not listed above

 

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Jack,

Just wanted to let you know we really enjoyed the tournament, was our first time to compete anywhere out of our local area. Can't tell you how much I appreciate, as a parent, the honor you give back to the kids who participate. They work so hard and even though they may compete as part of a team when they're on the mat it all comes down to them. My son was in the 6 & under group amd made it to the championship round, we weren't expecting the ceremony you put on! Is was an amazing experience for a little boy from Idaho! Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Cindy Richardson
May 6th, 1999