My oldest son went from never winning a match to winning a few to finally (after over 6 years in Kids fed) getting a chance to go to state. My third boy pinned every kid in his very first tournament and had early successes until he too was moved into A brackets after only a few years. Comparing the two seasons: I liked my oldest son's better. I understand what Coach Buckbee is saying. I understand how his son can get disappointed everytime he goes to a tournament when he has to compete against the A wrestlers and watches his teammates and buddies in easier brackets winning matches. BUT - I don't agree with what Coach Buckbee is suggesting tournaments start to do. I think what needs to be done is to have some sit-down time with his son and explain what an A bracket is and how going against the very best will only make his son stronger in the long run. We explain this to our son everytime he feels a little dejected. We tell him that if people didn't think he was really good, he wouldn't be in those brackets. Then we celebrate every accomplishment - whether it is going three rounds with a state placer or scoring a few points more than before against a tough opponent. After all, it's how well you improved that really matters in life.
