There are many suggestions that can be made and believe it appropriate that we make those suggestions. I am a firm believer that the consumer has the right to be heard. I know many parents were complaining about not seeing their kids wrestle, I believe an appropriate complaint when the parent pays the bills.
Here are a few of my own.
Go to a bracket system with bout numbers. The computer programs, the bull pin format seems to always cause problems and for a large tournament is not fan, wrestler, or coach friendly.
Give the High School kids their own format to shine. I can't imagine a college coach in the country that would enjoy going to this tournament the way it was this weekend.
As a coach, it was virtually impossible to keep up with your kids. For a large club like ours it was even more difficult.
This one may be controversial, but give coaches passes to the representative clubs as opposed to selling them to whomever wants to buy them. I know many won't like this suggestion, but the floor space was horrible, the parents, family, friends and others on the floor made the situation rather difficult at times.
More bathrooms, even if getting temporary port a johns. I have never had to wait for a men’s bathroom like this before.
A little promotion here, but I would like to also see USA Wrestling represented at this event. Not that it has to be a USA event, but USA Wrestling represents and provide a service to many wrestlers. I know there are other organizations, and am okay with AAU and others where appropriate, but it is time we come together to support our teams. I know several Olympic and World Team former members were there. The truth is for the ultimate development of wrestling, USA Wrestling is the top dog, they need our support.
I know there will be others, but also thought a couple of good things.
The willingness to use the profits to help college wrestling is something. It is great to put your profits where your mouth is. On this note, I know that Kansas, even last year while in Iowa provided a huge contingency, just a note here, we are trying to get a D1 program started in our state and would appreciate all of the help we can get.
Another great thing, the competition was great. I know a tournament is as committed to this as anyone, they are also largely responsible for this. I don't think it will be long, before this will be one of the premiere events in the country. I really believe it is possible if the HS wrestlers are given their own times.
Another great thing, I wasn't expecting it but the food, drinks and refreshments for the coaches were really appreciated. I wasn't expecting this, but what little time we did have, it was nice to have this as an option from having to purchase food and/or drinks.
While I like the way the KCI is sat up for the Duals I am not sure I like the way it was for Brute, that aside, the staff here are first class and my experience was that they, and the volunteers were more than friendly and accommodating. Being from Wichita I only wish those at the Kansas Coliseum here could learn from you.
In closing, I do believe that at least Kansans, while appreciating the positive things about the tournament, will want to see improvements. I know many still have a sour taste regarding the Kids Folkstyle Nationals after that first year in Iowa after moving from Kansas. Just now have the kinks started to get worked out and Kansans that moved away from that tournament are starting to go back. I believe that this could happen with Brute if not careful. That would be a shame, because it has the potential to be a great show case and especially a great service for our High School wrestlers more than any other group. I for one believe they need all of the attention they can get, a year end event like this can provide it.
