My oldest son has been in kids wrestling for 9 years now, and next year he will be first year 16 and under. I too once was adimate about getting 6 year olds invovled in their own class in the state tournement. And was willing to see 16 year olds being eliminated if that was what it took. Now of course, I feel very different. I still have a big stake in seeing 6 year olds being part of the state tourney in Topeka as I have a 4 year old boy who wants to wrestle like his brothers, but our stake in keeping 16 year olds involved is just as great. After 7 or 8 continuous years at state with my older sons, there is no doubt that there is plenty of time to be successful after you become 8 years old. I wonder if all of you who are promoting eliminating 16 and under at state will feel the same way in 8 or 9 years. Careful, what you do today may not serve you well tomorrow.