The proposal prohibits 6 year olds to wrestle in an age group above their actual age. This will halt 6 & U that 'maybe can' do it UNABLE to compete if they are wrestling 8 U participating in Topeka.

5 & 6 year olds don't need the memory of anxiety, fright & frustration. With only their coach in their corner we're losing that important nurturing; intimacy of consoling the child after such a big event's loss while the parents sitting in the stand at this age of 5 & 6 are doing all they can to "be there". Financially it doesn't make sense especially counting on 80 5 & 6 year olds that weigh 80 lb's or more. Making the kids grow up & be competitive at such a young age when psychologicaly most have not matured -- is NOT the answer. The children are Preschooler's, Kindergartners & 1st graders! They have years to acquire competition mentality physically as well as emotionally. This is what the compilation of Sean's literature illustrates for the informed reader.

Nothing is wrong with the Ottawa Tournament -- all that desire to go---go. The bracket if your child is in the median wt range may be larger. But to have a qualifier and a State series for kids this age takes the fun out of the tournament (It truly will be hard to believe that this will be unseeded--whereas the State series gets pretty detailed in this regard). The Novice Championships are also a great idea for children this young. Everyone goes, everyone wrestles.

To have a kid believe they've reached the pinnacle in a sport such as wrestling at 5 or 6 years old consequently may only substantiate withdrawal from the entire sport in time.

The data speak for itself in terms of reflective growth. If you're not willing to analyze and review the data then maybe it does need to be presented because those are the FACTS compiled from USA Wrestling & Sean has done a great review of States and their 6 U offerings. It will be exciting to track & tend how we do grow as a State in Wrestling. We have great wrestlers! No doubt about it. Let's just keep them on the mat.

The Vote should be NO on this proposal. Allow the 6 U to compete in the 8 U State tournament like they have been. J.M.H.O.


In it to win it.