I think Randy had is right just used a bad example. So Randy I will help you out. In stood of using the Nick Flynn match ((which was a poor match up)) So lets look at the 171 - Clarence Neely (MO) dec. Phil Witt 11-7 match up.

Neely completely dominated the first period with 3-4 takedowns. Taking a lead of somethin like 6-2. The next period Witt completely dominated the match even taking a 7-6 lead going into the final period while riding the missouri wrestler out. It was clear that when we (Kansas kids got on the mat we could put the Show Me's on their back) . How ever the third period was decided with a takedown which did lead to a nearfall and the missouri win.

also notice how many time did the missouri wrestlers opt out of referee's position and start neutral. I'm not gonna the missouri wrestlers cant wrestle on the mat, honestly I couldnt tell you because they were never down there unless they were losing.

If you can take your opponent down there is no real reason to ever get on the mat. if your a good mat wrestler you still have to get the takedown FIRST before u can get into a riding position.

I agree with Randy these match up dont mean that everyone in KS sucks on their feet and everyone in MO needs mat work. But I will tell you from 152 up its was no fun for the KS side while a takedown clinic was run for the next hour.

Maybe KS coaches need to think about whats really better takedowns or matwork and re calibrate heir styles accordingly.

AND one last thing to consider... EXPERIENCE... In some of the match ups I dont think the MO guys were overwhelmingly better than their KS counterparts but their ability to extensively coach their kids, their freestyle and greco really ads to the number of QUALITY matches they have against upper level opposition.

Last year was my first year being involved with freestyle/greco and i think its somethin that should be pushed FAR more than folkstyle. even if that means shorting up the season or reducing opportunities for the 16U. I was a folkstye guy for a long time. When I wrestled I didnt get involved in kids club till I was in high school and it was a great experience for me. However, if someone said well your too old to wrestle 16U so you should do freestyle... in stood of just wrestling it march I most likely would have continued to wrestle FR/GR well into the spring. After last year and my experience with freestyle/greco I think its a must.

Sorry it was long I havnt posted anything in a long time so had to get that all out..

Travius

No proofreading so read at your own will.

Its not over yet...