As the expression goes, all roads lead to Rome! If there is an example of one constant variable in this story of Highline Wrestling, it’s been, John Dunn! Through the years, Dunn has lined his pockets at the expense of others, so he can be patted on his back and given a gold star for maintaining the only remaining varsity wrestling program in the state. Don’t believe me? It’s really simple, just go and ask him. He thinks that the only success is having a wrestling program and keeping it alive. Not striving for success, and making the one lone program a pillar of success. That it could and should be, as we all know. But that’s not important….What’s important is making sure you have the latest escalade to drive around, or using money from athletics, and turning the locker room into a movie theater and state of the art locker room for...yep you guessed it...basketball. Yes, I will admit, that the wrestling program does get to use it, but only during their three to four home duals every year. Not a big deal? I mean we have already talked about how finances are and have been misappropriated, and how there are glaring red flags everywhere. So let's continue to look at how much investment Dunn has had with the wrestling program. Let’s also remember he let go of the coach that led the team to the highest national tournament finish before Norton got there, and not to mention the overall disarray of the coaching search(s) from when Norton left, and now Chad Beatty. But how about a lack of facilities? Highline is forced to roll out their wrestling mats every day in a room that can only hold one wrestling mat, with 20-25 people. Not to mention, that the wrestlers and coaches cannot stay later to work on technique because they are forced to leave early due to a yoga class using the room. That’s correct...a yoga class has precedence over a varsity school sanctioned sport. I don’t think I have ever heard of anywhere else in the country where this takes place! Let’s see North Idaho..nope, Clackamas...nope, SW Oregon...nope, oh how about Umpqua and it’s brand new program? Let’s see….nope! I have direct information that Dunn has been approached with opportunities to build a new wrestling facility and or expand upon the existing one. All have been brushed aside, with the potential donors walking away in total disgust. Makes sense, when you come to talk about wrestling facilities, but are pitched ideas about making all the athletic facilities better...specifically basketball. So how does one expect to have a competitive program when there isn't even a real wrestling room? You must be saying…” but they must have a strength and conditioning room?.” Actually, they kinda sort of did, but that was turned into the John Dunn man cave…! No joke! When there is a lack of leadership from the front little to no improvement gets done. That’s really the facts! If it doesn't revolve around basketball, then Dunn really doesn't care, unless that is to use the wrestling budget money to travel with the team to Reno...while taking his family. Or Virginia beach as well…..just saying. But when you want everyone to congratulate you on having the only remaining program, but yet not be competitive, there is something seriously wrong with that. You’d think, someone would take notice and see the overall situation of wrestling in the northwest. Not only from just a wrestling perspective, but from a business perspective. If I know I have the only product available within my state, wouldn't you market it so every wrestler within the state would want to come to my program. And that every coach knew where to send their athletes, and so on. Because more athletes mean more tuition money, and a larger spending budget...more athletes means more success (potentially), more podium finishes, more finishes in the top ten, the potential for team trophies, athletes moving on to four-year programs….Also equating into the potential for more boosters, sponsors, future alumni who will give back. And so on and so forth...But that will never happen underneath Dunn’s watch. Why may you ask? Because that will take hard work, time, and commitment, which are none of the characteristics that make up John Dunn. I mean we are talking about the same guy, when I have arrived at a dual meet is posted up at the door with his feet up and is asleep. The same guy who got on the microphone before a dual and said…” let’s get this going...the Seahawks are going to be on and I don’t want to miss it”. Again, I leave it all up to you to decide if I am right or wrong. But ask yourself this, what is the one person who has remained at Highline during all of this time? And ask yourself this as well, will anything change as long as John Dunn is still in power at Highline?
Sounds a lot like some of the high school coaches in our state who may have lettered in wrestling or been a state participant. But since they teach algebra or biology they are given a head coaching job.Which in itself isn't necessarily bad but they only step foot in the wrestling room 3 months out of the year.Then complain that other coaches cheat by coaching freestyle to whoever has a usa card regardless of where they attend school.Then also bitch because those same kids end up moving to the district in which the coach was generous enogh to allow them to attend his freestyle practices....
I watch Tucker Carlson almost every night because he knows the subject and in most cases the facts. You know some of the subject and very little of the facts. I do appreciate your interest in Highline Wrestling and you have some valid concerns but stop embarrassing yourself and do some home work. Most everything you say about John Dunn is BS. He could be more transparent in his management style. If Dunn goes the wrestling program goes.
A little history might help you. The program was started in 1966 dropped around 1980 and reinstated a couple years later by the request of Dr. Sherley Gordon, College President, who was very proud that the Highline wrestling team on several occasions was the top academic team in the nation and rarely if ever below the top 5 to this day. Since wrestling is the only sport that attends national tournaments and with high travel expenses during the season she indicated that the college could only provide funding for about 50% with the other 50% from donations. Donations change each year which may explain why Dunn is not transparent. We continue to fund raise each year. She also hired an academic advisor for all sports. She also enjoyed coming to the matches. Dr. Gordon's legacy deserves most of the credit for the continued support of the program. Every coach hired has embraced the importance of success in the class room.
We all apreciate the education. But you suck becuase none of that has to do with 2020. You know why people arent Transparent about any particular item? Its actually very simple you jack boogy! Its becuase he/or she doesnt want others to know what is ACTUALLY happening with things.
And I wanna know why .. You clown SHoe!
But I know why.. and so does Tucker.. and so do several others.
But back to your National Geographic/ 8th grade 4th period History class Movie type of a post..
Whats the expensive trip that the wrestling team makes? Reno?
You mean that $99 round trip flight while staying at Circus Circus or the Reno St. Lodge.. Whats that cost? ( Shhhhh I know what it cost.. but i wanna hear your answer Jon)
I bet the trip would cost less if there wasnt a familly of three coming down for shits and giggles/ vacation disguised as wrestling support..
Whoops!
Your post said..
"Donations change each year which may explain why Dunn is not transparent. . We continue to fund raise each year."
WHy do different donation amounts affect ones transparency of WHAT the donations are or how much they are? I have a guess why.
To finsih here... your whole post is " THe freaking Problem"
YOur talking about the 1980s and the 1960's Jon!
Lets talk about the CUrrent wrestling atmosphere in Washington..
I have so much to say but I am seriously not in the mood to deal with you right now Jon..
Please provide some concrete details that actually have to do with the current situation on where I have been wrong or misleading? I'll wait....You barely talked about anything mentioned in the original post, and are stating facts from the 60's and 70's. Again, you didnt touch on facilities, or actual support of the program, or the other glaring issues that I laid out. You like the majority of the people out there want to fact check facts and statistics that you cherry pick. And delve into a conversation about something that you have no idea about. So again, if have no idea about anything that I have posted, the prove me wrong. End of discussion.
Re: Fact Check
Posted by fact check on 11/14/2020, 1:51 pm, in reply to "Fact Check"
I do appreciate everything you are doing to bring attention to Highline wrestling. Just trying to get you up to date on a bit on the history. First question. Tod Owens, the very good coach you mentioned prior to Norton was not fired by John Dunn. Do your home work on who fired him and what was the reason? I wrestled at Highline many years ago with some success. I was not a good student in High School so went to Highline for the wrestling. Soon after arriving I learned that all members of the team were required to attend a study hall 3 days a week. Somehow I bought into the program which led to a dramatic improvement in my grades. This changed the direction of my life and is why I do what I can to help Highline wrestling.
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Huh? on 11/14/2020, 3:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
Is this Bradly Lee Luvaas? I'm confused b/c I was assuming that this was a wrestling forum. I bring this up b/c Highline and it's administration are being discussed b/c of their lack of wrestling accolades. If this was an academic decathlon or contest on academic check ins then you may have just provided some crucial insight.
It is interesting that folks would rather deflect the wrestling related stuff to... but look how good in school they are.
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Showare on 11/14/2020, 5:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
I would be careful calling out luvass to much ! I watched him drop Dave courchaine with a nasty knee at the showare center fight the uprising!
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Lol on 11/14/2020, 5:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
Ok...
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Weight? on 11/14/2020, 6:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
What weight they fight at?
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Tucker Carlson on 11/16/2020, 11:41 am, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
So let me get this straight...you are comparing running and maintaining a program. Along with the people who are in charge, and you are making a comparison to going to study tables...? Furthermore, I never said the reason why Owens was let go, so you can try and put words into my mouth. But I'm pretty certain that I said he was the most successful coach to lead Highline to their best National Championship finish. Now if you want to start pointing fingers and talking about why who got fired over what, then, by all means, be my guest. Just know that difference between Owen's vs. Dunn is one got caught and the other didn't. But still, enlighten me on how you are planning on making the program competitive with your constant remarks about the history of Highline, and the mandatory study sessions. Again, people want to make remarks and cherry-pick topics that are IRRELEVANT to the actual topics on hand.
Re: Fact Check
Posted by Ben Hawk on 11/17/2020, 8:04 am, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
The facilities issues brought up here can’t be undersold. The yoga class had more pull in the Dick Woooding Wrestling room than the varsity program.
The locker room for athlete was turned into a lounge for the basketball team.
Re: Fact Check
Posted by take it back.... on 11/17/2020, 12:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Fact Check"
Maybe its time the wresters themselves take back the wrestling room from the all mighty yoga pros..,,,take back the lounge from the basketball team... hard to sell that us wrestlers are badasses yet we let yoga and a 5 man roster basketball team take over. I'm your Huckleberry.......
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