Want to say thank you to all of the volunteers that put on the tournament this weekend in Manhattan. We were one of the last matches of the evening.....was it a long day, yes BUT my 9 year old son absolutely loved it. He got 3 freestyle and 5 greco matches. It was a great opportunity to get good mat time. Thank you very much for giving these kids the opportunity!
My biggest recommendation for all tournaments(this applies to both folkstyle and freestyle/greco events) is two fold.....
1. Mandate pre-registration. I know some will argue that we will cut some kids out but if everyone knows you have to pre-register then they will do it. If we continue to allow walk-ups then we will always have them.
2. Allow Friday night satellite weigh ins. This worked very well this weekend from a competitors perspective. We didn't have to get the kids up extra early or spend the $$$ to get a hotel room.
If you combine these 2 recommendations then the people hosting event can get the brackets ready the night before. All you have to deal with the morning of the tournament is last minute scratches.
Please do not take this as a criticism of any kind on the tournament this weekend. Like I said, we were one of the last matches and my son absolutely loved it. Lots of great mat time. I really appreciate the effort everyone gives to pull these things off.
Also, want to thank Gonz Medina and Blue Chip. Been watching these boards for a couple of years now and I don't think we give him and his company enough thanks for what they do for supporting kids wrestling. Gonz and his staff are fantastic! Thanks for the cool shirts this weekend and the year long support you give!
Shawn Budke
