If you look historically, there are some power states when it comes to kids and high school wrestling. Just from past experience rankings over the years and my personal opinions. To me if you asked this question 10 years ago I would say that Kansas was very week, but Kansas wrestling has been on a huge upswing in talent in the last 10 years. I believe because there are most likely more kids competing, more coaches giving valuable time, and a greater effort put in to make the kids in this state elite. I wouldn't rank Minnesota much higher than Kansas today.
Historically to me there has always been a top 4 for wrestling states and depending on the year they could be flip flopped.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Oklahoma. To me Oklahoma is no longer one of the top 4 but they are still very tough.
Then you have had a 2nd tier of very tough wrestling states
Illinois, Iowa, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota.
Now every state produces elite wrestlers, some just a lot more than others.
To me states on the rise and probably now in that 2nd tier as well. Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Michigan and Oregon.
The real bottom line is it is all subject to opinion, and it changes year after year. To me Kansas wrestling has nothing to be ashamed of and is only getting better and better. Year in and year out I would expect all our Kansas boys to be able to compete with and beat any one from any state. Until we see more Kansas kids on Division 1 college rosters and All Americans year in and year out, they will not get the full respect they are due, but I believe that day is coming soon.
Last edited by John Taylor; 01/07/14 11:52 AM.
