Thought I just share with you the following email that I received in response to my letter to Ryan's school. I can somewhat understand their decision but it still stinks.

David M. Rodrigues
davidrod@bellsouth.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Peightel [mailto:dan@admin.msjnet.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 19, 1999 11:33 AM
To: davidrod@bellsouth.net Subject: wrestling decision

Dear Mr. Rodrigues,

Thank you for your comments regarding Coach Murphy's decision with regard to Ryan Herwig being allowed to wrestle at a higher weight class. We respect the intensity of your concerns about weight cutting. We are always concerned first and foremost with the health and safety of our athletes. We employ a certified athletic trainer who carefully monitors each wrestler's percentage of body fat and the amount of weight he can safely drop in a given time period. We also strictly follow all recommendations from an athlete's family physician.

Coach Murphy's decision was not about forcing Ryan to wrestle at a lower weight class, but about setting the fairest lineup for the entire team. At a point in the season when team members had developed consistent work habits and weight classifications, Coach Murphy decided not to disrupt his established lineup with challenge matches that could force several wrestlers to shift weight classes.

I hope this answer addresses your concerns. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely,

Dan Peightel
Director of Public Relations