I also disagree w/ the changes to 14U class. First, for the most part becomes a 1 year age group. Second, it denies Jr. Varsity kids from High School a chance to compete at a level that is more fair for them or where they will have a greater chance of success and give them more mat time. Third, at the higher weights it could discourage freshmen from even coming out as their chance of success is less (not saying this is a good reason).

Finally, I believe the 8th graders have some advantages over the freshmen they wrestle - the high school kids are normally done cutting weight and the 8th graders cut more for state. Next, the high school kids are not use to 1.5 minute rounds - the 8th graders are. I believe this really helped my son this year. Finally, the kids clubs kids have wrestled more matches, have been able to attend clinics and things like Purler/Akin, etc. In other words they do not have the restrictions that high schoolers have in getting better practice partners, and so on. In other words, they can compete.

Finally, wrestling against high school kids is the best incentive to keep the younger kids working hard in the off-season. But, whatever.