Have not been to the USAW Folkstyle National since it was held in Topeka several years ago. Reports from the 1st year it was held in IA (unorganized, ect.) kept us away.

Our experience this year was the tournament was far from unorganized. Held in the UNI-DOME at the University of Northern Iowa with 22 Mats, there was plenty of seating for spectators and the floor has not crowded. Registration, weigh-ins, and the flow of the tournament was top notch (run as well as Fargo or Vegas).

Competition was tuff to include the Junior division even with the High School Nationals going on in Va. at the same time. Saw several high school state champs battling to take 8th place.

Spartans took 4 kids with Nathan Butler (Novice) earning 3rd place and Nick Flynn (Juniors) taking 7th. Nathan lost in the semi and went on to win his next 2. Nick lost his second match 3-2 and spent all day Saturday fighting through the back side going 5-2 for the tourney.

I give this tournament high marks and recommend Kansans put it on the calendar for next year. Hopefully HS Nationals and USA Folkstyle Nationals will be on a different weekend.

Mike Flynn