I didn't attend this year, but can say from past experiences as both a coach and an official, I hated the parade of champions at this tournament. The venue wasn't right for it, it wasn't a real celebration, at least didn't seem like it, and it took just far too much time. You want to see a parade of champions, go to Tulsa or someplace like that. Our state tournament also does a good job. Maybe at Hartman where everyone can see it will be okay, but if given a choice to get out of a tournament a little early, or have a parade of champions like was at the Classic, I would prefer to get out early every time. If able to be viewed and seen by all spectators, another story all together. I say look for some good things at Hartman though, it reminds me a lot of the Reno Livestock Arena in Reno Nevada, and it is a great venue for wrestling. I hope more big tournaments will consider it for future tournaments.
Oh yea, my son was in the finals at this tournament a number of times, winning it all but once, he hated the parade of champions as it took away from preperation time, and nothing like standing there for all of that time with nothing to do but wait on your name being called. At least at most tournaments that have a parade of champions, you are announced and have warm up time prior to and after the announcment.
