Kansas grew by 87,982 residents or 3.22% from 2004-2009 Indiana grew by 208,658 residents or 3.36% from 2004-2009 Minnesota grew by 186,870 residents or 3.68% from 2004-2009
Source: US Census Bureau
Also of note: Indiana and Minnesota the 2 states with qualifying tournaments for 6 & under. Both states showed a decline in numbers and percentage in the age groups 11-14 and 15-18, between 2005 and 2010.
Between 2005-2010 - USA Wrestling Participants Minnesota Growth rates by age group
Percentage change & Actual Number gain/loss Participant/Card Holders 10 & Under 33.85% 435 11-14 -0.40% -5 15-18 -4.57% -49
Between 2005-2010 Indiana Growth rates by age group
Percentage change & Actual Number gain/loss Participant/Card Holders 10 & Under 13.31% 409 11-14 -4.95% -147 15-18 -34.79% -184
Between 2005-2010 Kansas Growth rates by age group
Percentage change & Actual Number gain/loss Participant/Card Holders 10 & Under 27.00% 969 11-14 11.83 305 15-18 6.04% 89
Source: USA Wrestling
I just wanted to give everyone (who reads this) a peak into the future of what can happen by putting more and more pressure on kids at a younger age. If we want to grow Kansas and USA wrestling participants and membership in every state - it looks to me that states with a 6 & under state tournament championship series should not be part of the model.
If voted in as a yes it will take 5 years to see the real effect. Additionally, it will take another 5 years to reverse the effect.
I am pretty sure the short term gain will have some adverse long term results. In business I would much rather have the results from the current Kansas model compared to trying what the results show in the other 2 states above.
I am not willing to gamble on a proposal that may take 10 years to reverse its effects.
