Jones one nice guy who finishes first

The coaching ranks, and specifically the wrestling world, have lost a great coach and mentor to the business community. I am talking about Scott Jones, head wrestling coach for Lakeside High School.

I have had the opportunity to officiate many Lakeside matches in dual meets and tournaments. If you are going to wrestle Lakeside, you had better bring your “A” game because they are always prepared and will not back down. Coach Jones and his very able assistants are always encouraging and positive with their wrestlers whether they are winning or losing in the match.

It is easy to focus on the match at hand because Scott has high expectations for his wrestlers. Coach Jones always treats officials with respect and is never out of line. He allows us to officiate the match and he coaches the wrestlers. Coach Jones could write the book on how to treat officials. I am sure he will be just as successful in the business community as he was in the coaching ranks.

Leo Durocher had it wrong when he said nice guys finish last. Coach Jones is the perfect example of how nice guys finish first – not just once but time after time after time. He will be missed.

Rich Tschirgi

Inland Empire Wrestling Officials Association

Spokane