I think by merely showing them (those who can make this happen) the numbers 1) of our youth membership 2) what Randy has done in developing Coaches through the Bronze program which he states has the highest numbers of any State 3) have them see the packed gyms and money that can be generated at tourneys during the year such as Mill Valley, Manhattan, Hays, Wichita Classic etc during the year
and not just an appearance at the State Tourney for 30 mins. Our member (USAWKS) activity as far as time spent with our kids (valuable), money spent on travel/tourism etc, gear, improvement aids/camps etc happens each and every week for many months and year round for some.
The movers and shakers who have the clout NEED to Grab those dignitaries in your communities and get them out to tourneys in your area. Let them see just how vast and supported KS WRESTLING at the grass roots level is. Your parents that are willing to spend approx ea week $15 entry fee, 10 gate fees for family, $15-20 concessions, $ gas money, sometimes lodging and other monies spent in these communities weekly are die hards. My parents didn't do it for me as a youth and I always envied those friends of mine who had parents that did but I was fortunate to have their parents step in and take care of me. My career culminated at the kids level anyway with me winning State Championships at 16U 125 and 16U 145 lbs and I didn't have a lick of family there. I didn't know whether to be happy with joy or cry from sadness because I didn't have my family to share it with me and they still don't realize what this sport means to me and exactly how hard I worked and how I would set my alarm to wake at 5 AM to run in the morning and all those Saturdays spent with others traveling to Tourneys. But there are many thousands who feel me. You parents are to be commended and we sometimes get over-heated even over a match win here and there for our youth because we want for them all to do well and I remind myself often of Randy Hinderliter tag line to keep it positive and just let him have fun and know that I've backed off myself from when I first started coaching my son and don't even know if he'll compete in HS because he also excels at basketball but those of you like me know WHY even if I didn't have a youth in the sport that doesn't mean that those close to wrestling don't have a vested interest because it truly gets in your blood and I don't think there is a sport out there that is more rewarding to youth and helps to build character, drive and discipline. I guess what I'm trying to say is how great a sport this is and how thankful I am for those of you that give of yourself to benefit youth. There is not a single better investment out there than investing in YOUTH and this sport in that sense is unparalleled.
So, .. Lets start by showing off what we(USAWKS) are all about!!
