I would like to add my two cents concerning the Southern Plains Camp requirement and my firsthand experiences with the Middle School and School Boy Duals.

First of all, since Southern Plains is geared towards the individual wrestler rather than the team concept, I think it is absolutely ridiculous to require wrestlers to attend the camp. My son attended the camp at Fort Hays and the Southern Plains Tournament in Carlsbad two summers ago. He really enjoyed the camp and did get some good workouts in. He wanted to go to the camp and I am glad he went, he made some good memories and friends. He did not go this past summer as he was worn out from the participating in the School Boy Duals. I know of some of the kids on the team that went straight from Indianapolis to Hays so they could make the camp. This was crazy! Kids who want to participate in the Southern Plains Regional tournament should do so as any other individual tournament; sign up, show up and wrestle! The amount of time and money spent on the camp, for most wrestlers, is not worth the two or three matches they get at Southern Plains.
Secondly, I would like to discuss my experience with both the Middle School and School Boy Duals. What a great experience!!!! Dads who have wrestlers who can participate in these events should give their sons this opportunity. From the standpoint of a dad, it was great to see my son make friends with some of the best wrestlers in the state. During the Middle School Duals, although we had no formal camp, the kids go to know each other on the long trip to Danville. They quickly formed a strong Team Kansas pride! We had two full teams and each squad got to know each other and cheer each other as the tournament progressed. I, myself was able to get to know some really neat dads whose main focus was to see their sons wrestle and have fun representing Kansas. Will Cokley and Eric Johnson did a great job coordinating the trip. I know that this was not an easy task.

Later in the summer, my son had the opportunity to wrestle on the Kansas School Boy team. Unfortunately, we could not even field a full team. Our kids wrestled well and had it not been for giving up four - five forfiets would have made a serious run at being in the championship bracket. Will Cokely was gracious enough to let the team use his facility to have a team camp. My son had a great time and it gave the kids a time to unify as a team. The trip and experience was very positive. I would stongly urge anyone who qualifies to take advantage of this opportunity.

I have heard that there are possible rumblings about money issues and the picking of the teams. This is a load of garbage. I attended both dual tournaments and there was never any improper use of funds, in fact many times, we dads dipped into our own pockets to pay for team needs. Also, as for hand picking the teams, also a load of garbage, there was ample time for anyone interested to put their name in the hat to have there kids be a part of any of these teams. In fact, we couldn't even fill the School Boy team, even after calling around and practically begging kids to come. As with anything else, it's always easy to criticize and make accusations when you're on the outside. Funny how no one wanted to step up and help put these teams together. I commend Will and all the others who helped to make this experience possible for my son and everyone else who participated. Without these guys stepping up, we would have missed out on some great wrestling and friendships.

After having my son participate in the Southern Plains tournament and both the Middle School and School Boy Duals, I can say without a doubt he had a much better experience with the Duals. Also, for the money, it was the best bang for the buck!!! If you want to increase the participating numbers in Kansas wrestling you sure don't go about it by making unreasonable financial and time commitment demands. Heck, that doesn't even make good business sense.

Sorry if I've gone on too long, but I have been wanting to get my two cents worth in. If you would like to personally discuss any of these issues or experiences with me please e-mail me (bluejayad@yahoo.com)