Joe Edmonson of Omaha, Neb., one of the nation's top youth wrestling leaders, passed away in his sleep on Monday, July 8 at the age of 54.    Edmonson was USA Wrestling's 1985 Kids Person of the Year, and reached the highest achievement as a coach, the Gold level certification in the National Coaches Education Program. He was also a leader within Nebraska USA Wrestling for many years.    Edmonson, who was a quadriplegic most of his life, developed the nationally respected Exploradories wrestling club, a model urban youth sports program. He ran the Edmonson Youth Outreach Center of the YMCA, working with and coaching children until his death. Through his coaching and leadership, numerous inner-city youth became involved in wrestling, and received mentoring and educational opportunities that enriched their lives.    "The sport has lost a great leader," said Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling. "Joe has provided an opportunity for countless underprivleged kids to be associated and participate in our great sport. We are deeply saddened by his loss. Joe's impact on wrestling will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jean and his entire family."    Among his honors was being named by President George H.W. Bush as a "Point of Light" in 1991. He was named to the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994.     According to the Omaha World Herald, Edmonson broke his neck in a trampoline accident in 1964 and doctors gave him 10 years to live. Instead, he started his wrestling program in 1968 and earned a masters degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.    According to the World Herald, besides his wife and mother, Edmonson is survived by daughter Champagne Jones; three granddaughters, Brianna, Gabriell and Essence Jones, all of Omaha; two brothers, Stevie Bell of Omaha and Roosevelt Bell of North Platte; and sister-in-law LaDonna Jones-Dunlap of Omaha.     "I hope whoever takes over can keep it going, but I don't think anybody's going to take Joe's place," said wife Jean Edmonson.     Funeral arrangements and other memorial information will be provided on TheMat.com when available.    Thanks to the Omaha World-Herald for information on Coach Edmonson.