Happy Valentine's Day to all. There's probably not a lot of love in the wrestling community after the International Olympic Committee's announcement to drop wrestling in 2020 Olympic Games. What a travesty!

We agree with NFHS Executive Director, Bob Gardner, who states on the NFHS website, "Wrestling was one of the original sports in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and more than 200 nations compete in the sport. In certain areas of our nation, one of the hardest tickets to find is to the state high school wrestling tournament. While the sport is healthy and vibrant at the American high school level, it should also remain a part of the world's most treasured sporting event - the Olympic Games". Amen brother Bob!

On the bright side. What a great weekend for wrestling. It's only the second time in our 15 year history of the Team Wrestling Championships that we had back to back champions in AA and AAA. But, oh, what a AAA championship! We probably had one of the most exciting championship matches ever between Central Dauphin and Canon-McMillan. Down to the last bout; winner take all. Great theatre. Great wrestling.

We believe our Team Championships are as good as any Dual Championships in the country and we'd like to give a shout-out to all the teams, coaches, wrestlers and their fans. We're very proud of all teams for their participation and excellence.

Now it's on to the road to Hershey in both wrestling and basketball and the championship road ends in Lewisburg for swimming and diving. Folks, this is a tough time of year, as well as a great time of year.

To advance to the PIAA Championships in these sports, you have to be good; very good, but you may need a little good fortune along the way as well. So if good fortune smiles upon you, be grateful. If it does not, then stand and applaud those who receive it.

As legendary coach Jim Valvano used to say, "Survive and advance". That's the mantra that fits this time of the year.We wish you all good luck and best performances as you begin your quest for a state title.

High school athletics: Where we not only build character; we reveal it.