What makes this discussion so colorful is the absolute regional bias of those penning their opinions...of which you will never overcome. Regional qualification is the only way to ensure equity to the wrestlers from around the state. Perusal of many of the other messages on this site indicates several past state placers being 'upset' by some of these 'unqualified' wrestlers. That may indicate that the current regional system is correct or at least the best answer. Does the current system put the best 16 on the mat? Probably not, however it more than likely does provide the top 6. Does this mean that a 3A school who wrestles predominantly 5A and 4A schools shouldn't be afforded the opportunity to compete with other 3A schools in their geographical vicinity? Or do we send a team from NW Kansas across the state to ensure that their 'better wrestlers' have a better chance to participate as a state contestant?
Also realize that what you apply to wrestling you then apply to every other academic and athletic endeavor for state competition.
