More Pics of Terel's State Championship Weekend

I must say that Terel is pretty studly. Perhaps some day he might be as studly as me, although, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, BUT the kid does have potential! Too bad he is not more like Hayydn, now studliness just comes natural to that kid, must be genetic? Anyway, here are some more photos of Terel's State Championship wrestling weekend. Enjoy. (oh, and they are in no particular order).

News Story on Terel and Tyrel

02/17/2009

Snowflake's Terel Nichols joins late brother as state champion
By: Keith Morris , The Independent can be found at: http://www.wmicentral.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20263259&BRD=2264&PAG=461&dept_id=505964&rfi=6

Snowflake's Terel Nichols has a good grip on Holbrook's Adrian Perkins during their 189-pound championship bout during the 3A individual state finals on Saturday. Nichols won 7-3 to join his late brother, Tyrel, as a state champion.
PRESCOTT VALLEY - Terel Nichols had a lot of family members on hand to cheer him on in his bid to win a state wrestling championship on Saturday.
"About 13," he figured.
There was one missing, however.
The Snowflake senior's older brother, Tyrel, did not occupy a seat at Tim's Toyota Center to witness the 3A individual state finals.
Sadly, the 2002 state champion recently took his own life.
"He got mentally ill," Terel Nichols said of his brother. "He wasn't all there."
Tyrel was a big part of his younger brother's life and was a key to his success on the wrestling mat.
And, although he wasn't physically there in the arena on Friday or Saturday, he certainly was there in spirit.
"Oh yeah," Terel said when asked if his brother was in his thoughts as he posted a 7-3 victory over Holbrook's Adrian Perkins to win the 189-pound championship and cap a 45-4 season. "It was hard but I wore this thing he took state in," Terel said, lifting his sweatshirt to revel the uniform with the block "S" his brother wore seven years ago in claiming the 171 3A title.
He wanted nothing more than to join his brother at the top of the medal stand.
"It feels good," he said. "My brother took his (title), now it's my turn...It was something I wanted to do."
He was hoping to win it all a year ago but had to settle for second place. Winning a championship took on greater significance for him when he lost his brother during his final season.
"I wrestled for six years before doing it," he said. "It's what me and my brother always wanted - to have two state champs in the family. So, I finally got it."
Terel is one of nine children. He has five sisters and one living brother. His oldest brother, Taj, died in 1987, nine years after falling into a pool and suffering brain damage as a 2-year-old. The large family offers him plenty of support in grieving for Tyrel.
"It means a lot (that) I could do it for them," said Terel, also a standout football player. "It kind of helps them too as long as it helps me. It means a lot. They're all supporting me and my brother's up there with me too, so it's good."
Tyrel was a big supporter of his younger brother on the mats.
"The last tournament I took was Moon Valley and he was there with me and I took first," Terel said. "I was named Most Outstanding Wrestler, had the most takedowns and most pins. After that he passed away and in my next tournament, I took fourth (at the Doc Wright Invitational). It was really hard for me."
But he was determined to succeed in his final tournament for both himself and his brother.
"I knew I could take state and I pulled it off," Terel said.

Valentine's Fun

Well Valentine's Day was a little bit different this year. My younger brother, Terel, had the opportunity to wrestle in the 3A Arizona State Championships Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. He won all four of his matches on his way to taking the championship. I was so proud of him. He has worked so hard at the sport of wrestling and he has got a lot of talent to boot. Terel is our second State Champion wrestler in the family. Ty was the State Champion wrestler a few years back in his weight class. He went on to Nationals and did very well. I will be honest, with Ty's recent passing, these State Championships were a little tough to handle. It was hard not to have him there with us. I found out that Terel actually wore Ty's State Championship singlet. So, that is a pretty neat story. I know Ty would have been (is) very proud of Terel.

It is kind of funny when I think about Terel being a State Champion. He is the baby of the family and for some reason even though he is as tall as me and much more musclular (ok, actually only a little bit. :) ), he is and will always be the baby. It is hard to believe that he is actually 18 years old. And I just have to say, while we are on the subject, he is the nicest kid. Honestly, I think he is the most tender hearted and caring one out of all of us. He definately has a lot of potential! Here is a pic of Terel holding his championship bracket -Anyway, the whole point of the story is that Lisa and I didn't get to do the traditional valentine's stuff (whatever that is). Unfortunately, we couldn't find a babysitter to watch our kids all day on Saturday (plus the girls had soccer). So, I had to go to the wrestling match alone. I did however write her a cheesy poem. She said I could post it on the blog. It was a a stream of consciousness poem and contains no edits and there are some "inside" references or spellings. :) Anyway, take it for what you will.

It has been eight years

Since I got down on one knee

And asked you, this beautiful, vibrant young woman

If you would marry me.

It was raining that night

Though I was not cold

My mind, heart, and soul were focused

I was striving with all my energy to be bold.

You see, you weren’t just some typical girl

At least not to me.

The Lord showed me your heart

Your immense capacity to show charity.

Sure, I was blown away

By your beautiful eyes, long brown hair, and curves galore

But inside, beneath your tough girl façade

The Lord revealed to me that there was much much more.

You are a beautiful daughter of God.

You are my Queen.

I am so grateful to the Lord

That with you I will spend all eternity.

Although you plucked me, a wildflower

From a world of seeming freedom

Where the sun constantly warmed my petals

A place I could call my own personal kingdom.

You took my rugged raggly roots and all from that domain

Without a moment’s hesitation

You knew we were meant to be,

You unabashedly declared this proclamation.

Over time, with great love,

Lots of patience and devotion

You opened my eyes and I was shown

A glimpse of heaven.

We have created a family

Three beautiful girls and one studly son.

What a great responsibility you and I have

I feel that my cup has over run.

When I look into your eyes,

Hold your hands – you pull me near.

I cannot hold you close enough

How can I show you how much I love you, how much I care.

I know, I know, “just take out the garbage.”

Perhaps, it is that simple, perhaps it is that clear.

Well, I know I am not perfect, in fact

Into perfection’s window I cannot even peer.

BUT, I know you love me anyway,

You see in me something better

Like I said, you have this amazing ability to love

And for “this” I am indebted to you forever.

You are my very best friend

It is with you I want to share

My every thought, feeling, and emotion

And although you don’t realize it – a friend like you is very rare!

Ok, so I rambled a bit – actually quite a lot

But you know this is nothing new.

I guess all I really want to say with this poem is;

My love, “My Enternal Sweetheart,” I love you.

Pretty cheesy - eh? What can I say, I am a cheesy guy :). I hope that it made up a little bit for Lisa having to stay home all day with all the kids, who, as it turned out, all got sick. Yeah, that went over well. :)

We got the girls these little doll necklaces and balloons. I am curious as to what age kids lose their attractions to balloons. My kids love-em to death. Seriously? I don't understand it but, I am definitely willing to embrace it (mostly because they are cheap! :) ).