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Father and son ref first and last state wrestling match together

Wrestling is the lifeblood of the Talmich family, but they're bonded by officiating and not grappling.

DENVER — Michael Talmich is retiring this season after 27 years on the mats; his son Brian, already in his 12th season, will continue on the family legacy. 

But the two had never reffed a state championship together, until this final year.

At the state wrestling championships all eyes were focused in on the center of the mats at Pepsi Center, all eyes except for Brian Talmich.

"Growing up watching him ref, you sit here in the stands as a spectator, but you watch more of the reffing than you watch the wrestling," Brian said. 

His father Michael is a stalwart in the officiating world with his 27-years on the mats.

"He taught me what it means to work hard and what I was going to get out of working hard. It was from sports growing up, whether he was coaching me when we were in tee ball (and) all the way up to high school wrestling," Brian said.

And now, after his final season, it's time to pass the torch to Brian. 

Michael thinks there's no doubt he'll continue the legacy.

"You always want to hear about your kids idolizing you, I idolize my son," Michael said.

But before he hangs up his whistle for good, the Talmichs have one more match together.

"It's going to be exciting," Brian said. "It's going to be a dream fulfilled for me. I told lots of people last year, it would only be complete if I got to ref with my father. We've reffed tournaments together, but not on this stage."

"This is my best friend," Michael said.

"I agree," Brian said. "It's going to be a special moment for both of us. I don't think a lot of people get to experience this in life where they get to work alongside their father, their best friend, who's been their mentor in life and been with them through thick and thin. We're going to make the best out of it."

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