It is amazing that some of the top national kids have chosen to wrestle in Orlando at the Disney Duals rather than competing in OKC. I understand the destination preference, but are they wrestling for a National title or are they looking to get a picture with Mickey Mouse and improving their tan? The AAU/USAW conflict is taking it's toll on the kids. Any thoughts or insight into this issue?
Chief, I for one am not taking the sides of any one or the other, but I will say the premise of a "national title" is fast becoming a thing of history as there are so many "national" titles. Of course the main one is in my opinion Fargo.
I strongly believe that wrestlers have as much of an obligation as possible, to support the USA summer programs as they are the voice of our international scene. I also believe though that AAU in particular, as was mentioned on one of the national forums, has done a much better job of making the experience enjoyable, and entertaining for not only the fans, but also the wrestlers. It is one of those things that USA will eventually have to address; fans have spoken out for years about issues ranging from singlet trading, to the accommodations in a particular city and the costs of going to that event. It seems as if when they speak up, they are blasted or ignored for their views, or at the least told, “That is the way things have been, that is the way things will continue.” At that point those individuals have more potential to run people away from USA Wrestling than they do bringing them in. I still question the judgment of not apparently listening to your fan and wrestler base. I also question the obvious “feud” that has prevented the two organizations from working together in any way.
Now I can't speak out for or against AAU because outside of the track experience I have no experience with their wrestling. I will say their track events, even on a national level, have the feel of a national level event and pay attention to the fans and athletes. Of course I can say the same thing about Fargo. All I can speak out on is that USA Wrestling provides a much greater opportunity for wrestlers, at least for now, than does the AAU. Has AAU done any damage? I think so, I hear of talk in Texas of moving out of USA and into AAU and Oklahoma is doing the same thing although they have never been a USA state either. When Midwestern states start to make this move one has to wonder what will happen. I have even heard people ask about getting an AAU program started in Kansas, I know others have heard that talk. Again, I am a strong supporter of USA Wrestling but to ignore the problems, the issues with wrestlers and fans, is to impede more damage to USA wrestling.