Coach, Kyle Roberts weighing in.
This years FS State tournament was 4 weeks after Folkstyle Nationals and 4 weeks before Southern Plains Camp. There was not a single KS tournament after the FS/GR State tournament like the Corporate board suggested there might be. Many of the comments I have received stated that kids did not have the drive to compete in local tournaments at the conclusion of our State tournament.
I am in favor of keeping it as close to Southern Plains as possible, until we can shorten the Folkstyle season (moving our State tournament up might help the National tournament be moved up). I would like to see the FS/GR State later over sooner. This year there was great interest in new towns putting on FS tournaments, unfortunately the decision of the coporate board handcuffed the local efforts. Case in point: WHY club and other Wichita organizers attempted a post State tournament with little interest and had to cancel.
I would like to see 5-6 KS tournaments in the weeks following Folkstyle Nationals leading up to our FS State Tournament. I think we can take a page from USAW and assign points for top placers at these local tournaments and have a series points race for Juniors, Cadets, and Schoolboys. These points could help determine National teams, and also provide us with points Champions at our State Tournament.
I agree with that old saying you referenced. I also agree with another more recent quote: "If you ain't first, your last!" It is time KS steps up and takes the lead instead of looking to surrounding states for ideas.