On the Mat.com they have a discussion about the best state tournaments in the nation. I have just picked the Iowa discussion about their state tournament for your review. I also talked to several college recruiters this year about the Kansas format and they absolutely hate 3 now maybe 4 different locations next year. I am sorry for my comments but the state is going in the wrong direction having all of these locations. Back in the mid 80's I did some college recruiting and looked at some Kansas kids then and we did get a few guys Kansas. If the format
with 3 locations were that way back then I do not think we would have used the recruiting budget to travel to 3 different locations. I know we would not have done that. Anyway, here is a little insight to Iowa's format.

Member
IA, USA
Total Posts: 2177
Posted: 03/01/2007 at 9:16:20 pm
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leglace said "Best run state tournament.
So far I have been to the Pa (8 yrs ago), Nj, Fl state tournament. And I have to say that NJ has the most energized tournament. Its hard to beat the venue, on the boardwalk, fillee with fanatics. The Star Ledger coverage makes these wrestlers seem like rock stars. The energy in the stands, and great lighting. I bring this up because its hard to imagine a more exciting event! Any other states have a top notch state wrestling event?
"When all else fails, do the opposite"
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I think Sports Illustrated did an article a few years ago about the Iowa State High School Wrestling tournament. It's been changed to 4 days instead of 3, and held at a new venue (was at Vet's Stadium in Des Moines forever). I think they said they had around 90,000 total attendance for all sessions. The Finals are broadcast statewide (and were on the Internet this year - YES!), yet have sold out well in advance for many, many years (I've been going quite a bit since the mid 70's and it's always been full to my knowledge). Former Hawkeye National Champ Mark Ironside and Cyclone Champ and Coach Jim Gibbons were 2 of the 3 broadcasters for the event. Can't imagine it gets much better than that. With all the small rural towns, if one of their own makes it to the tourney, there may be only a few folks left at home to "guard" the town. It's a big deal in Iowa, let's put it that way.
State Dual Tournament is this weekend or next. Never been to that one, I think it's been going on since the early 90's. Not near the spectacle the traditional tournament is.
I live in Minnesota now, they recently switched to a four day tourney as well (but they combine the team and individuals in the same setting). They were canceled because of weather tonight actually. Hockey is the dealio here though I believe.
GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!