From a parent’s perspective, who does not coach, I just drive to practice, here are my thoughts on Coach Church's question:
* First, we need to have our kids develop the proper mindset or mental discipline to succeed at a tournament like Fargo. We do this by increasing our participation in School Boy/Cadet/Jr. duals – nothing makes a kid mentally stronger than a 4 or 5 day dual situation where they get a number of matches. This is also accomplished in practice – practice should be hard and disciplined. Nothing is gained from practice for the sake of practice. Kids must be committed to practice.
*The state needs to increase participation. School Boy duals are a good place to start. I would guess 60% of the kids on my son’s SB duals teams continue to wrestle in the summer, with success. These kids develop bonds that appear to last for a long time. Hand out fliers on these duals at Kids State. Let them know that Freestyle State is a qualifier. I think the goal should be to have 2 teams. I know that would be difficult as the team leader is frequently struggling to find kids to fill the upper weights, but without goals you do not get anywhere.
The reason I say to start at the School Boy level addresses Shawn’s point. A lot of young kids (and their farthers/ coaches) have a real problem understanding how they get the take down and the other kid got 2 points and they only got one. Also, do we really need to teach little kids to throw the head lock and lock hands. I know some can handle it, not trying to start an argument. But if a young kid is not practicing this at least twice a week, do not take them to Freestyle state just for fun. Many will never want to come back.
* We need more opportunities in Kansas for kids to wrestle Freestyle/Greco. Prior to Freestyle/Greco state there are 2 tournaments in Kansas?? St. James and Baldwin. And, then 2 in Wichita afterwards. These styles are different. The kids need mat time prior to going to the major competitions.
* Explain how it will help in folkstyle. I believe summer wrestling HAS helped my son. I think freestyle makes kids a lot better on their feet (my son excluded). Additionally, by defending the gut, kids who wrestle these styles become difficult to score back points on, in my opinion. I am sure people who are actually coaches can give the advantages better than I can. Just look at the success of some of the summer wrestlers in HS state.
* We need to make Southern Plains a priority for our School Boys and up. It gives seating points for Cadets and Jrs for the duals. It is a great opportunity to face good kids from our surrounding states. However, it is expensive. One day off work for most of us. Two nights in a hotel. Maybe a Friday morning weigh-in would help and a change in locations, and not Denver??
* I know the people who put together the dual teams do a great job, in an environment where a commitment to wrestle in the duals appears meaningless, but would a qualifier for Cadet and Junior Duals help? Will started doing that with middle school duals, and it appears to be a big success. I am not complaining about the way the teams are put together - I just wonder if Will’s success can be duplicated.
* Cadet Duals is in Florida again, get started now with a plan to make it affordable or find an alternative. This is a training ground for Jr. Duals and Fargo. We shouldn’t miss 2 years.
Finally, I asked my son the question Coach Church asked, he had one answer, unlike his wordy dad, START EARLIER.
I do think Coach failed to point out on his #2 that a kid can do both – enjoy himself and have success (judged differently for each participant).
Finally, thanks to all who helped put this trip and season together. From my son’s perspective it was big success. He made friends and is still talking about it. Thanks!!!
