Takedown is right. From now on we should pair kids up according to their win/loss record. At least that way we'll know that they are about the same level in talent. It doesn't make much sense to have two kids wrestling each other if one can possibly be more talented than the other.

Perhaps you would be in favor of giving medals to everyone who competes too. Then no one would have to feel bad when they lose. Wrestling is about who is the best in your age and weight group. Its not about what grade you are in. Grades are nothing more than a cutoff for a particular age. I think what some fail to realize is that even though these kids might be a grade or two ahead of the others they are wrestling, they can be no more than 2 years older than them. The issue becomes how much more practice this group gets than the other. And as Will so delicately put it, how much more experience they get. Now this seems odd to me because he basically proves it himself that these 9th graders are better because they are wrestling better wrestlers in high school.

Whats also interesting is this same group of people aren't on here arguing about how we should split up the high school competition as well. Maybe only 9-10th can be a group and 11-12th? Takedown if you really believe the top 8th grade wrestlers really don't want to see better competition than the other guys they have beat up on all year, then you are crazy. You might be interested to know that there are some states that allow 8th graders to compete in high school competition aka 5X state champions. I know New Mexico is one of these states, and they have had a few of these 5 timers.

Concerning the issue at hand. Ok so now you've got two people to submit $1000. Now all you need is about 15 more to do the same. And you are also going to need about 50 volunteers to help you out. More importantly you are going to need a group of kids willing to forgo their opportunity at the officially sanctioned Kids State to compete. Find me those kids and I'll be more than happy to volunteer my time to officiate this tournament (without pay). Will that be sufficient enough contribution for you Mr. Cokely? As I said before I'm not opposed to the suggestions this group makes. I don't believe that their is enough support from the kids themselves. According to the stats listed on the main page there are about 1700 kids registered in the 14U & 16U age groups combined. If even 20% of these kids are willing to compete in this tournament ( which by the way would have to be held at the same time as the already in place kids state tournament series ) then I say lets go for it).