I understand what a few of you are saying as far as attendance but I would rather choose to focus on the positive in that #1) what level of wrestlers were these college duals #2) how big were the names of the in state wrestlers #3) what percentage of the varsity rosters were filled with in state competitors #4) how well was it marketed/promoted ? #5) what can be done to enhance future such competitions to show that if we had competition on a larger scale how well would it be attended ??

I recall attending the Olympic Trials clear back around 1988 in Topeka Expo and that it had a fair crowd. I know that at even Mizzou etc they are lucky to draw 1500 for a meet but I DO solidly want to believe that if it was strongly encouraged at the grass roots/ kids level to the youngsters at tournaments by distributing flyers, displaying posters at tourneys, practice rooms, to coaches, schools, and getting the news media both print and TV as best we could it CAN help.

Randy, I also still recall sitting through one of your Bronze certs and how you talked about how in promoting the sport & your team/individuals helps and it's sometimes necessary to be your own sports writer for your kids(team) to give them the recognition and show the public what we're about and what is available and to grow the sport. I took alot out of your clinic that I still use. I see instances locally where there is no box scores, stories etc. in other sports in my area but I can tell you that I took to heart what you said about how it would help to sell the sport and provide encouragement/incentive for the kids. ..So I have no problem doing what I can for the teams I'm involved in.

I also believe that by selling the kids to have the desire to see a higher level of our sport in action helps. I recall when all the kids eyes lit up seeing the first tag wrestling event & Freestyle Promotion by the older college bound kids such as Cody Garcia, Chenowith, & Eric Akin etc. done in honor of Tyler that was done at Kids State. They (youth) drive alot of buying in our economy as a whole. Look at the commercialism of such kid oriented items as we want to please our kids. I guess maybe I'm silly in my optimism but I really do feel in seeing all the crowded gyms for the kids events each and every week across our state and how the novice events have taken off and the level KS wrestling has become that our sport here in this State is indeed ready to take it the next level and WE would/CAN solidly back it with the right leadership. That is what it is going to take to get us to the TOP which I feel we are getting ever closer to the Pennsylvanias, New Yorks, Ohios, Iowas, Oklahomas,Californias.
We have certainly hurdled many states but are not quite where we CAN BE.

Those of you that have brought us to this level have INSPIRED me for one. I remember my start in wrestling and the enthusiasm of Greg and Leann Grater, Kenny & Kathy Upham, Bob Cairns, Chuck & Cherie Elvin, Bill Stanhope, Bob Gonzales, John Akin, Ben Bennett etc. and how it has continued with folks like the Jubys, Randy Hinderliter, Kit Harris, Will Cokely, Mike Pursel, Ned Price, Tom Peterman, Eric Akin, Richard Salyer etc.

I just know of course alot of things would have to happen and it would take a load of hard work and perseverence but with folks like Barry Disney, Bob Gonzales etc that can help us get to the right contacts I still feel that it is possible to get to that next level. .....call me a dreamer !