Okay, I'd like to compile a wish list for a state tournament. I'm not talking about the one class, better bracketing, less losing records arguments that have found many, many posts on here. I'd like to see innovative ideas that could be implemented to make our state tournament a real show and memory for all. Please keep this positive and fun.

I'll never forget the 2002 Derby Invitational when all of the finalists ran in carrying American flags. It was shortly after the September 11 attacks on our country, and it was spectacular! I'd love to see a more exciting introduction of the finalists.

I'd also like to see more fan based activities in the outer portions of the arena. Although the wrestling is all I need, if we could set up some entertainment in the perimeter it would add something.

Forget the limitations, and let's hear your ideas!

Ryan, in order for it to be my dream state it would have to include all classes at the same site. If you have never been to one of these tournaments you should try to catch one of our neighboring states, they are awesome! It reminds me of a much larger version of the 123A state tournament. It really is doable, all you need is an arena that seats 10,000-15,000 crazy wrestling fans and make the state tournament a three day event. As for the argument of needing more mat space, you don't. Nebraska runs all classes on 8 mats, Class A & B 8:00am session Class C & D 10:30 session. When they get down to the semifinals all classes are wrestling in front of a packed house. They had to move the tournament to the Quest center because Devany was sold out every year. I guess maybe I'm a little selfish, I want to see all of the Kansas wrestlers and all of my old buddy's like you. Right now that's just not possible.
God Bless

It would be cool to have Kansas alumni that were state champions lead the kids in the parade of champions. Just think gather as many past state champions as possible. Introduce them and tell what year or years they won state and if they have moved on and wrestled college and so on. It may take longer but hey those kids would get excited seeing that. This could be for the young kids as well.

Short, intense opening ceromonies are exciting! Not long drawn out introductions!

How excited are the kids at the Wichita Classic after hearing a few hundred names introduced? NOT VERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Myron:

Before going to the asinine four-day ($$$$ for IHSAA), Iowa had a very slick three-day schedule. It was something like this:
THURSDAY (8 mats):
11 AM — 3A First round & first round consolation
2 PM — 1A First round & first round consolation
6 PM — 2A First round & first round consolation

FRIDAY (8 mats)
10 AM — 3A Second round & second round consolations
12 PM — 1A Second round & second round consolations
2 PM — 2A Second round & second round consolations

6 PM — All classes semi finals and third round consolations

SATURDAY (8 mats)
12 PM — All classes consolation semi finals
2 PM — All classes medal matches
6:30 PM — All classes finals

This was in the 14,000 seat Vets Auditorium in Des Moines. Before the finals, there were things like Hall of Fame Awards, Coach of the Year and Official of the Year and the Grand March with all of the medalists by weight and class, led in by some wrestling dignitary.

This would be a great schedule for the new arena in Wichita with 6A, 5A and 4A. The 3-2-1As probably aren't moving. The Rocky Mountains will move to Salina before that happens.

thats my point. if we have some people they look up to it would be different. just naming every kid is good but your right it took a while. so just having the alumni there in the same building would build the excitement. maybe not for you but for them i know it would. when i saw john smith at state just him alone was a thrill to see.

Maybeimazed,
Getting 4,5,&6A together again would be a step in the right direction for the fans of Kansas wrestling, and if that truly is the best that can be done I could live with it. However, in order to showcase Kansas wrestling 123A needs to be included. I realize there is a lot of opposition from the 123A fans and some coaches, and I understand why. They have a great tournament and they think putting all of the classes together would somehow diminish that. At one time I would have agreed with them because I didn’t know anything different. That quickly changed after witnessing the Nebraska state tournament where all classes compete under one roof. The atmosphere mirrors that of the 123A tournament, but on a grander scale. Of course all I have in this is an opinion from a fans point of view. I love wrestling and want to see the best, not just the best in one class.