Ike,
I would have to agree that taking the time to mention college wrestling is huge! I also believe that getting on them young about it raises the likely hood of success at the college level is even more important. There are not many Chase Nelson's who are just natural freaks and can start when they are freshman and compete at high levels.
I truly believe coaching has a lot to do with it. A lot of people think they can buy their bronze card and put on a T-shirt and coach at the kids level. Here, the basics are then being taught wrong and the foundation has been built poorly. I believe there are a lack of good kids club coaches in the state. I also believe there are a lack of good high school coaches. This is not to put down anybody, but instead say that we need more wrestlers giving back to the wrestling community so the science teacher with the pocket protector does not have to be forced to coach the sport.
There are a lot of other factors as well with this such as "Kids have changed", "Multi-sport athletes focusing on wrestling last", etc.
Also, a man who wrestled in college 10-20-30 years ago is not the know it all of the sport. He must be willing to change, improve himself, and evolve with the sport! There are just some things that don't work like they used too. We need to focus our kids on what is working now and get them ready. Finishing shots is different, top game has changed, getting off bottom is still vital as ever but a lot harder with how hard people are focusing on riding.
Just a thought.. Off to work
