I have to back Jeff on this one. This is the 4th year we have attended the Mill Valley tournament. The split format is much better IMO.
I would like to commend Mill Valley on the tournament they put on. I thought you all did a great job.
Personally, I like the split tournament format better than the regular format for the following reasons....
1. Space management for wrestlers, fans, parents, etc is much better.
2. Being able to have enough coaches is much easier. We had about 50 kids at the Mill Valley tournament and about 8-10 coaches. Having a split format made it a lot easier to coach and spend good time with the kids after matches rather than giving them a hug and then running to another match. At most tournaments that run regular format they have to use 2-3 different gyms/wrestling areas in order to accomodate everyone. This really becomes a coaching challenge. Split format alleviates that issue for the most part.
3. The little guys get to come in, compete, and get out of there. Older kids get to sleep in, don't have to rush, etc.
There are only 2 groups of people that do not benefit from a split format.....
1. Parents with kids in both age groups. But these people are going to be there all day regardless of the format that is used. Don't make the majority suffer by going to a regular format.
2. The coaches. But hey, that's what we signed up for when we decided to coach!
Just my thoughts. Thanks Mill Valley for a great tournament!
In closing and keeping with the thread I would say "Hopefully, Turner goes as well as Mill Valley!"
Shawn Budke