Mat Classic XXIII
Paper missed its opportunity for two great stories
The Feb. 25 article on “Richardson wins state title” reminds me of how an 1863 newspaper reported the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pa. — where the article covered Edward Everett’s speech and briefly mentioned “President Lincoln also spoke.”
I am sure that an article on the Girls Mat Classic is of interest, but the much larger Boys Mat Classic and its results might have wider appeal. And certainly, the final paragraph added as an afterthought about two Central Kitsap wrestling champions — Nehemiah Salo (171 lbs — Klahowya) and Cody Yeik (125 lbs — Olympic). The photo and accompanying caption on the back page did provide some limited information about Cody Yeik, but there was essentially nothing about Nehemiah Salo.
Some of the interesting facts not brought out:
Cody Yeik has an older brother who was a state champion twice (2008, 130 lbs, and 2010, 145 lbs). An older sister was the last female wrestler in the state to medal in the Boys Mat Classic, taking sixth place in 2008. Wrestling must be an important part of that family’s life.
Salo is a wonderful study of dedication and overcoming adversity. After breaking an arm during summer wrestling camp and not able to participate in wrestling practice for the first month of the season, he zoomed to the top of his weight class, winning 30 of 32 matches and taking first place in 2A competition at state only eight months later. He was also selected to the state Academic Wrestling Team – having the top academic record in his weight class. He is taking college classes through the Running Start program and is applying to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, having received a nomination from U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island.
The writer definitely left out some very important information that I am sure many readers would enjoy knowing.
Michael Vineyard
Bremerton
McGregor & Co.
Thanks for the stories
It’s very important for my story to be told. As owner of McGregor & Company for 16 years, it has been my pleasure to serve our community with unique gifts and a peaceful surrounding to allow many to linger and tell me many of their stories. It is my believe we all have a story and often just need someone to listen.
McGregor & Company’s purpose from the beginning was to give my four grandsons a firm foundation in Christ, that He built them into men of Christian character.
Their education at Sylvan Way Christian and Kings West/Crosspoint Academy paved the path for not only their future education but to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
My husband Frank has been my constant go-fer, repairman, gardener, builder of cabinets and wonderful garden art. He is the owner of Knox Design and continues to design homes at his studio in our home. He is looking forward to many more years of doing the work he loves.
Frank and I both thank Madison and Nellie Sparks for purchasing our McGregor property. Their hair salon has been on NW Carlton Street for 17 years and now they are proud property owners in Old Town. Without the sale of our property I would not have had the chance to retire. Thank you, Madison and Nellie.
We thank all of you who have sent stories by card and emails. One email said it very clearly: “The Lord shined through you in your shop, and will continue to shine through you wherever you are.”
“Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Thank you,
Mrs. McGregor
Sammalee Knox
Bremerton
