I certainly don't mean to begin any negativity, but I don't think that the tournament will work as it is now. I would love to see KSHSAA sanction a grand state event. I believe that this would do two things. First, it would allow college coaches to see the best wrestle the best late in the season and not immediately after most of these kids have taken down the better half of a turkey and a mandatory five day moratorium on practice. It would be another showcase for Kansas wrestlers. It would also extend the season another week, and the states top seniors would be one week closer to High School Nationals. Extending the season another week may be KSHSAA's primary concern. Kansas has done well there, considering that we have been out of practice for 4 or 5 weeks by the time that HS Nationals rolls around. It is a perfect opportunity for small school red chip kids to show what they can do. Many small school kids, and many wrestlers in general, may not have the resources, whether it be financial or time, to allow them to wrestle the big summer tournaments. The costs of motels, entries, and now gas is prohibitive for many. I would like to see KSHSAA understand that extending the season another week could be of great potential benefit to some kids that may not be able to continue their education any other way. We could also argue the need for increased opportunities, but the Title IX argument is best left for another thread.
