We are taking a break right now at the Jake Durham Invitational wrestling tournament in Norton. The host Bluejays, who have won four of the last five Class 3-2-1A state championships, are faring well, leading the team standings, followed by Garden City, last year’s Class 6A (largest class) state champion.

Norton has won 13 state wrestling championships. The first six came under Durham, who coached the team for almost four decades. The last seven, all since 2004, have come under Bill Johnson, a former All-America wrestler at Fort Hays State University.

The nice thing about arriving in Norton last night was I could sleep until 8:30, get ready, leave the hotel at 9:10 and be there in five minutes. If I had to come all the way from Russell, I would have had to depart my house no later than 7, probably earlier. I won’t go back to Russell until tomorrow morning.

I’m glad I am NOT in Kansas City right now. Too much turmoil.