To the Editor,
I have a unique perspective on Bartels. I’m one of only a few guys who was coached by him and have had the honor of coaching beside him. Bartels was one of my coaches in grades 7-12. He taught me life lessons through wrestling that I still think about and live by today. He continued to support me as I perused my professional fight career by coaching in cageside seats at a quite a few of my fights. Even during training I could still here his voice encouraging me to work harder, move faster, and push my mind and my body beyond its limits! A good coach like Bartels will have a good influence on his wrestlers long after they leave the room. After retirement I came back to coach wrestling here at Chatfield. Travis showed me a lot of appreciation for coming back to the program. After being away from the wrestling room for many years I was curious to see what the room was like. It was the exact same. Travis still preaching hard work, being mentally tough, and still conveying life lessons learned through wrestling. Travis is a very hardworking, professional, and passionate coach. It’s unfair how he is being treated and It would be a huge loss to the program if he’s not there.
Chad Curry
Chatfield, Minn.