Eric,

I respect your opinion and I agree that qualifying for the state tournament and the state tournament should be treated as a special achievement for the kids, however, I offer a couple different points of view....

1. What makes the state tournament special is the parade of athletes, the intro of the placers, and all of the other pagentary. I don't think Mark Stanley is planning on doing that for districts. I really don't think having the District 1 tournament in the same location as the State tourney really takes away from the state tournament for the kids.

2. As a coach, I am concerned about the "Deer in the headlights" look that the kids have the first time they go to state. In some cases the enormity of it all effects their wrestling. Heck, we intentionally take kids to Rocky Mountain Nationals, Bighorns, Dixie Nationals, Tulsa Nationals, Liberty Nationals, etc just so the State tourney doesn't seem that huge to them.

3. As a parent, I know I had a bunch of happy parents when they found out about Districts for next year. The appreciate the setting with seat backs and room to spread out.

4. From a coach's perspective it makes it easier trying to cover down on all the kids. It gets very challenging when you have those tournaments that use 2-3 different gyms. Having everything in one location will be nice.

BLUF: IMO, I applaud Mark and crew for doing this for us. I like the idea of having a bigger venue.

Just my thoughts, not meant to be argumentative.

Shawn Budke

Shawn,

Thanks for the response. While there are some issues to consider in point 1 and 2, I always look forward to that big stage feel with emotions running high and kids reaching inside themselves for that spotlight performance. The parade and recognition awards are great but along with the one-of-a-kind stage, it's priceless. Your last two points are definitely positives. Although as coaches, we have to remember that we are 3rd in this sport. For me, I'll give up the comforts for the big splash the the kids get.

Chief,

Do you have a peace pipe? Bring it to state and lets all join around a campfire to take a puff. The Chief is always the most diplomatic poster we have.

"I know I had a bunch of happy parents when they found out about Districts for next year. The appreciate the setting with seat backs and room to spread out."

Sorry I wasn't at our seeding meeting but is Districts at the Expo in '08 a done deal? I might just be me but I'm receiving mixed signals!

There is alot of points you are putting out there but the 6 and under state realy is no bigger than about 350 kids if iam not mistaken even if it is moved I still think Rick Croucher and Ottawa matmasters run it . And for Randys Question no district at expo is not a set deal yet from what I hear no one else even had a chance to put there club down to host district because we never vote on it till fall . And I also think the coaches who say there kids wrestle different do to the sight of the expo should take there kids to salina and other big veues around Kansas .All i Ask is to please dont take the thrill of state away from these kids its been here for several years it only gets better thanks and good luck to all at district

I just wanted to make mention of the 200+ fans that got turned away at the door of districts last year or had to receive word on how their respective wrestlers were doing from someone on the inside. I only had to drive from Topeka and was lucky enough to get in, but I would bet the grandparents and later arriving parents that weren't so lucky would appreciate districts being held at the Expocenter. My son is 6yrs old and loves the idea of wrestling at the Expocenter, eventhough he didn't qualify, it's being a state qualifier or a state placer that is his goal, not where he sticks the kid. His eyes got big when he saw the inside of the Bicentennial Center and his eyes got big when he saw the inside of Municipal Auditorium and I'm sure that each year we go back,the excitement and uncertainty of the challenge combined with the venue will still have the same affect. Lets take advantage of the great oppurtunity that Mark has made available to us so that we ALL can see our kids and grandkids with as much comfort and ease as possible.

Yes people got turned away but all the years I have been in wrestling that was a first and that mistake wont happen again. Have you ever seen Ottawa turn away people in all the years of wrestling and the many of tournaments they have put on.Your son is 6 if we let district and 6and under state be held at the Expo Center He will never fell the passion for state he should do whant to take that a way from him ,Let me guess i bet you never wrestled or made it to state or you would see were iam coming from. See ya and good luck at district tomorrow ;]

If state were held at the Bicentennial center do you think he wouldn't feel the passion of wanting to make it to state simply because he has wrestled there already? State qualifing and state placing is an accomplishment that is marked by hard work and determination, not where the mats lay. The celebration, parade and spot light of state is not going to be duplicated for district, simply using the building and space needed for our ever growing sport (competitors and fans). Good luck to you all as well tomorrow at 6&under state.

Thank You mmeditz!

Just got in from Ottawa D1 Championships. Great tournament! Love the split format! Well ran event. PLENTY of room. Good concessions at a reasonable price! Our hats are off to all the fine folks in Ottawa for all their hard work! Please don't change a thing.

couldnt we just do a 6u division like every other state. my son is just 5, will be 6u next year and is already asking why he cant wrestle when his older brother is still wrestling.

VanFam7 I totaly agree with you.Ottawa did a great job and it should be held there next year Good job MAT MASTERS .And 6 and under state today was great. Nice touch on the Finals matches
good luck to all at state

From a few conversations I was part of this past weekend, I am of the opinion that the 2008 Districts and a 6 & under tournament, ARE at the Topeka Expo next year!

Hey meditz, you must be an absolute genius. I agree with you. Hold it in a pole-barn if you want to. Making it to state is a big accomplishment! Bryant will try again next year and the next year regardless of where its held.

I think Ottawa did a wonderful job with there tourney. I feel that they have built something here that recognizes the little guys without throwing them into the long drawn weekend that we all love. They help the little ones see a taste, without stressing them out. We have to remember when we are yelling at them to shoot, sprawl or t-out they are thinking about what game they can play with there friends or what car to roll down the bleachers. My vote goes to Ottawa on keeping the 6&u state. If Topeka wants it so bad they should have got there act together a few years back. GREAT JOB OTTAWA!!!!

Has anyone considered the fact that March 23, 2008 is Easter Sunday?

The news I hear is Ottawa is planning having 6u State next year, and the Expo Center option is going forward as well. Looks like two groups are moving forward with the idea they are the 6u state tournament. should be interesting seeing what happens and who people support.

24/7

Expo Center and Ottawa... If two other groups would also host a 6 and under tournaments the same weekend they could have 4 champions at each weight group just like High School does it.

If I remember correctly a few years back(2005),the State tournament fell on Easter weekend. It was moved to Friday & Saturday.

When the State Tournament has fallen on Easter weekend the dates are changed from Saturday and Sunday to Friday and Saturday with the weigh-in on Thursday night.