Recently, I was informed that head wrestling coach, Tim Connors, has resigned. I’m not exactly sure as to why this happened. His email announcing his resignation mentioned that there was some who wanted this.

I had two boys that wrestled for Tim in previous years and was hoping to have Tim coach my two younger boys when they reached the high school level. My history here in Tecumseh is long. I am a 1982 graduate and I haven’t left. I can say that I was here when Tim took over a struggling wrestling program. It was not long after that he started a youth wrestling program for children at the elementary level. This greatly improved the student’s awareness to this sport and improved the number of wrestlers at the middle school level. This program was wonderful. It was a soft exposure to a sport that at the high school level has a great physical demand and requires a high standard of commitment. Like all sports, students are required to maintain good grades while being involved with stiff physical training and practice. In addition to this most of the wrestlers have to watch their weight. They have to maintain their weight to be able to compete. If the wrestler does not “make weight” he is not allowed to compete and this can be devastating for the wrestler and the team.

Tecumseh’s wrestling team has had much success in the past years. I believe this is due to high level of commitment and dedication by both the athletes and the coaching staff. Let’s not forget that the Head Coach sets the pace and the direction for the team to follow. All high school teams are invited to team districts but only the winning teams move on to regionals and then on to States. This is something that Tecumseh has done quite often lately. Do not take this for granted. There are schools that never more beyond districts.

Tim is a good coach who runs a strong program. He has always been a fine example for my children to follow. His record as coach speaks for itself. His dedication to school and team is unquestionable.

It is unfortunate that the opinion of a few is taken as the voice of many and that people do not realize decisions they make for themselves affect everyone around them. I am disappointed that future students will not benefit from Tim’s experience and knowledge. It is unfortunate we cannot see the level of commitment that a non-teacher coach has to make to his athletes and the school to get the job done.

To say it simple, “It is unfortunate that Tecumseh High School has lost Tim Connors as head wrestling coach.”

Tim, thank you for everything you have done. You will be greatly missed.

Ronnie Bechtol, Jr.,
Franklin Township