22 November 2011

My dear friends,

You read my voice each and every day on this great website.  However, I haven't expressed myself, my personal self, to you in quite a long time.  The reason for this is clear: this website is not about me.  I am only one of a great many who dedicate themselves (in their own way) to the majesty that is known as OPRF Wrestling.  This all being said, I would like to say a few words as we begin the "official" path yet again.  Many say that it is wise to talk with friends in order to make you feel better.  Well, here we go:

I have the privilege of knowing many of you.  Others I have not yet met, but I am anxious to make your acquaintance as soon as it is possible.  You may know that I, Brian Tideman, created this website all on my own during the summer of 2008.  I maintain it alone, I write the vast majority of the stories, and I use many of the pictures I have photographed myself.  In addition to the website, I began tallying and archiving Varsity stats.  I also took over the microphone to do my absolute best as an announcer.  I've loved every second of it, and I took to it all like a fish takes to water.

There is hardly anything I would rather do or experience than being in the flesh with my beloved Orange and Blue Wrecking Crew, but an opportunity arose where I would receive a life experience in a new setting altogether - China.  I toiled over the decision, but in the end I chose the love of self over the love of my team.  Until at least June 2012, I reside in Qingdao, Shandong, China.  I teach English mathematics to high school students at an international school.  If you want to know more about my school and my experiences on the other side of the world, I invite you to email me at oprfwrestlingwebmaster@gmail.com.

At tomorrow's season opener, you will not hear my extremely-over-the-top voice.  You will not see me scribble down A+ accurate stats at the table.  You will not sense my nervous heartbeat.  But I will be there all season long through this vehicle: the OPRF Wrestling website.  You and I share the same love.  We love these kids.  We love these coaches.  We love this school.  We love this team.  We love this sport.  I am honored and humbled to be a member of this family.

I will do my very best from "afar," but I ask you to please help me.  If you take and post videos, please alert me.  If you take photos, please send them to me.  If you are bored and want to write a recap of an event, please utilize the information highway.  My arms will always be open.  Or, if you want to keep your own wrestling blog, I'll highlight it on the site.  I don't want to miss a thing.  Keep me informed so I can keep all of the great visitors up-to-date as well.

May your holidays be grand, may your season exceed your expectations, and may you know that my heart is with this team always.

In pride, pursuit, and family,

Brian Tideman