Wow! this is quite a string of posts. One thing I can say with confidence is formed in a question - everyone always talks "mattime" is the best experience for a wrestler. Break this down for me - I've always assumed this as being practice time. Heck, anyone can sign up and compete in a tourney - winning or going 0-2... give me a week in the practice room and put me against someone (equal) who goes to a tourney, I like my odds! One very important point some of us are missing - respect from our fellow teamates speaks volumes... during my 7-8 yrs of coaching I've seen kids do unbelievable things primarily feeding off of their teamates. Such teamates that are in the practice room helping them not those that believe this sport is about individuality!! I'll take a group (team if you will) of kids that will work their butt's off for their parents, coaches, and teamates before one kid that thinks and acts like he's to good and goes to a tourney rather than starting practice with "his" teamates - thats what summer wrestling is all about... just my feelings!