I was planning on letting the 2007 season come to an end before I publicized our plans for 2008. However, to clear the air, in March of 2006 the Jr. Viking Wrestling Club began discussions with the Kansas ExpoCenter for rental of their facility the weekend of March 21-23, 2008. Our primary focus was to secure a facility to host the 2008 District One Championships. District One is fortunate to be rich in both participants and fan base. Many have complained in our District the past several years about utilizing venues for our District tournament that were grossly undersized for the event. Hosting this event in the ExpoCenter will allow for most ages and weights to be wrestled on full sized mats and will offer the fans that would like to come watch a better viewing experience.
While brainstorming the logistics for this event, it was brought up that wouldn’t it be nice to utilize this facility for the 6U Championships the following day. This will give the 6U division a more “grand” venue for their event without being thrust into the qualifying series, an issue which is debated every year. One day, as a State we may decide to make that change, but until that day why not give the kids the best experience at the conclusion of their season that is possible. I know there are flaws in my plan…and others will point them out; so I will not waist your time listing them here. After listening to the complaints on various fronts of the 6U issue, I decided that you can either sit back and complain, or you can stick you neck out and try and make a positive step forward. There are always going to be those who want to take a whack at your exposed neck…but that comes with the territory.
In addition to the District One Championships and the 6U championships hosted on Saturday and Sunday, Bob Phillips and Chad Parks are going to be organizing a “Seniors” Classic for Friday night. Our focus will be to showcase KS high school seniors in District One boundaries and we plan to match them us against a neighboring state.
I guarantee that a lot of thought has been put into this plan and it is far from a “wildcat” proposal. If any of you have suggestions on how we can make this weekend of wrestling a successful endeavor, I am open for suggestions.
Mark Stanley
Director
Jr. Viking Wrestling Club
785/286-0899
