I just met with an individual for a lengthy time yesterday about better organization of the Wizzers, prior to season and immediately after the HS Season. There are a couple of factors that come into play when it comes to providing better and more opportunities for our HS wrestlers.
Realize that for Brute we had 148 wrestlers compete at all levels and all ages on the HS Level. A pretty good turnout and I know we had more Kansas wrestlers than that, just 148 in someway associated with the Wizzers. In our meeting yesterday we spoke specifically about goals and plans for the HS Wrestler in regards to the Wizzers, something to take the organization to the next level. I am looking forward to that but believe we need more of that from other regions of the state. There needs to be an organized effort to provide more opportunities for the High School wrestler.
On this issue there seems to almost be a concern about pushing the concept of college wrestling for some kids. I disagree with that, for some of our youth, this is a dream and a real possibility. I personally know from youtube and other venues college coaches are wanting to watch and see Kansas Wrestlers. It is up to us as fans, coaches, parents, and yes, even wrestlers, to see to it that our wrestlers are seen and then be there to help assist in getting our wrestlers to the next level. The bottom line is that, for whatever reason, a lot of coaches watch kids summer wrestle, and especially Fargo.
Next: I have personally been told that one of the reasons many don't wrestle is due to the expense. There are other concerns regarding those costs, that I won't touch at this point. I will say, and will go into detail for those that ask privately. How bad is it, we are considering Nathan not wrestling on the Kansas dual team this summer. The bottom line is, that there has to be value for what it costs, but even with value, one has to be able to afford it. When you pay for something, and don't get it, or get no response to concerns, it causes one to loose confidence in the system. If I know that those concerns exist for my family, I know they exist for others.
While we all want the best for our children, and our wrestlers, the bottom line is, with the costs associated with it and other concerns, you will continue to see good wrestlers sit out the summer.
