Mark,
Not ranting, just stating the facts. There are NOT ENOUGH hotel rooms to adequately host the event as it stands today. (Mark, have you ever tried to get 20 rooms for your club for the state tournament?) If there were we would not be forced to pay cash in advance for rooms, pay higher rates than the rest of the weekends throughout the year, and be subjected to two night minimums across the city. Those are just facts. It is also a fact that the concession selection is inadequate and unhealthy for wrestlers and the populous doesn't like the bag search policy. If a city and venue wants an event bad enough those issues can be addressed. Short of building more hotels that one cannot. ONLY Wichita has enough rooms to adequately supply the wrestling population without being subjected to unfair practices.
I agree that the volunteer help is great. They do support the sport and I think Topeka should host events throughout the year. But don't you think it is a bit selfish to stick the event there permanently? Lets explore some options...
In addition, Topeka is no where near the geographic center of the state. This is TOTALLY unfair to the clubs in District 4.
I want to see some ideas to size the event to allow it to be held in Hays, Wichita, Salina, and Topeka. We could rotate it every year. 16U and 6U can be stand alone events. In Illinois the IKWF hosts several events throughout the year, not just a state tournament. It is time to be thinking outside of the box and make some changes that will promote the growth of the sport. Our state tournament is too big!