I really should be sleeping right now. Tomorrow, however, is one oft he two days of the year which are among the most stressful for me.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association Class 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament begins at 10 a.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum at the western edge of the Fort Hays State University. This will be my 10th time covering this event, and I have to admit, my enthusiasm for this event has waned considerably from my early days in Kansas.

There’s too much going on and it’s too damn loud in that arena. By time the first day is over, my ears are ringing and all I want do is sleep, but i know I can’t sleep for long, because I have to do it all again the next day.

The good news? By 8 p.m. Saturday, it will be all over. I will not have to worry about wrestling again until December, and I wont’ have to set foot inside Gross Coliseum until at least the end of October–if one of our local teams makes the Class 1A state volleyball tournaments–or longer.

Then again, the tournament may or may not end Saturday evening. The forecast for Saturday is grim. Snow is expected, and a lot of it. There is a chance, however, that I could have all I need done tomorrow and I may be able to pass on Saturday. However, if someone makes the finals, I may be stuck going back.

I have not had the best week.

Sunday, I slept nearly the entire day. That’s right, I slept 22 hours out of 24. I was awake only long enough to eat lunch wiht my parents upstairs. I just could not get myself going at all.

Monday was just as bad. I couldn’t get going until 10, and then I had to hurry to get Osborne done. Plus I had a hell of a lot to write for the other papers.

Tuesday dragged on. I couldn’t get done until 3:30, so I had to scramble to get out and drive to Minneapolis for Russell’s basketball games. I made it in time to watch Russell lose twice.

Wednesday was about the best day of the week. And I didn’t go anywhere.

Today was the fear and loathing of what’s to come tomorrow. I am not looking forward to it. I’m going to have to leave my house before 6 a.m. to make sure I can get a parking place that isn’t too far away. I alos have to get there early enough to get set up on press row so I’m not stuck somewhere far away. Not a fun time.