Sept. 5, 2006

Hey there! Sorry I couldn't get a message out yesterday. The computers here at the store we use (in Guatemala City) were down and right now they're incredibly slow and I can't see what I'm typing because there is a 30 second delay.

Anyway, I wrestled yesterday and I beat the wrestler from the United Arabic Emirate (Faisal Al Kutbi) and then after that I wrestled the Turk (Riza Yildrim). I lost to the Turk in two periods. The first period was 1-0 for the Turk and then the second period he was awarded two, three point throws. Personally, I thought he was really bad and I have no clue how I lost to him.

I can't help but think that the toughest opponent I will ever have to square off with will be the referee. The worst part is that the head ref, who is supposed to keep everything in line, was the chairman and he was a ref from Florida. I don't really ever complain about referees because I know that their job is hard but, I believe that they actually tried to dictate the matches in a biased manner.

Anyway, the tournament was a good experience and the Turk took the bronze medal. Pat McCaffrey placed third yesterday for the US at 50 kg but, he was the only American to place yesterday.

I can't wait to get home. I have been on the road for about a month-and-a-half or more. Hopefully I haven't bored you too much and I may have some better stories if I have the right audience.

My sources told me of a Mizzou victory yesterday (Saturday). I'd like to send a woot-woot out to the fooseball (Football) team.

Take it easy -Maxim