There are probably 100 different sides to the story. And each has its own truth to it.

But I still can't help but think that there could be another way. Is Kent Olson really not going to be the face of Lemoore High wrestling anymore? Does Lemoore High really want to go in a different direction? Does West Hills College Lemoore really not want Olson to coach at the best feeder program in their district?

It seems like a giant mess to me.

And shouldn't one of the most respected wrestling coaches in the state of California be able to go out his own way?

I find myself torn, as I work very closely with the Lemoore wrestlers preparing for my fight. I'm great friends with coach Olson and his staff and I'm also friends with Lemoore athletic director Thom Sembritzki.

Today's story in The Sentinel about Olson no longer coaching at Lemoore High was probably the toughest story I've ever written.

It's been 21 years of hard work for Olson to build the Lemoore High wrestling program into one of the more feared programs in the Central Section.

They've won 14 straight West Yosemite League titles.

What other Kings County program has had this type of dominance?

The Tigers finished ninth in the state last year and are expected to be a Top 5 team this year.

The West Hills College Lemoore team was 11th in the state.

Olson has to be doing something right, right?

It's just my opinion, but him coaching high school can only help him in his job at West Hills. It helps in his recruiting, and he's told me on many occasions he uses it like a lab where he can experiment.

He's also able to help guide, coach and recruit from the top program in his district.

But far more than just the recruiting, wins, championships and other accolades, Olson is helping our youth with life lessons and skills. He's helping kids get into college and not just settle for a small-town life.

The Tigers, right now, are without a coach or a mentor during the most crucial time of the season -- the offseason where champions are made.

While Selma, Clovis, Clovis West, Buchanan and all the WYL schools are getting better, the Lemoore High wrestlers are without a coach and as at least one wrestler has told me, without a team.

This is a problem.

We've allowed some adult problems and decisions get in the way of what's best for the kids.

It might not be the best decision for West Hills, or maybe not even the administration at Lemoore High, but the best decision for the wrestlers at Lemoore High right now is for Olson to be where he belongs -- in the room, teaching.

"We can't do it without Olson," Nick Sierra tells me.

"We are nothing without Olson," Alex Perez says.

Is Olson the easiest guy to get along with? I highly doubt it.

Has Olson done everything by the book? I highly doubt it.

But that's what has got the Lemoore High wrestling program where it's at today.

Olson fought tooth and nail for wrestling and for Lemoore youth.

Maybe it's about time some people start to fight for Olson?

I only pray that maybe West Hills, Lemoore High and coach Olson can come up with a better resolution.

(June 24, 20080