I really like the State Dual idea. I think we should push for that before a Grand State. Here's why.....

1. In order to keep wrestling growing as a sport and to keep it from always being on the chopping block we need to increase fan interest. For true wrestling enthusiasts, individual matches are enjoyable but for the average observer it can be very complicated to follow and enjoy. It is much easier for the casual fan to understand the team concept and scoring.

2. It is easier for coaches to build excitment and school pride within their team and their school using a dual type format. Coach Parks has it absolutley right and does a great job at Shawnee Heights.

3. The dual format brings a totally different set of lessons that our wrestlers need to learn. How you compete can become very important. For example, a kid that would normally get pinned by his opponent that fights off his back and doesn't give up 6 points can end up being a hero. These are good lessons for our kids to learn.

4. Teamwork/Team Unity....a dual format helps teach the kids about teamwork and team unity. These are critical life lessons that you need in almost every job or walk of life.

5. Most kids spend the majority of their wrestling career wrestling for themselves in individual tournaments. They start in kids club and it goes from there.

6. Kids love the dual format. To see the hard evidence of that look no farther than Will Cokeley and the Middle School Duals that he got started here in KS. The interest in that event has grown exponentially in just the past 4-5 years. I have kids that have had the privalege (I deliberately choose that word) to be on one of the Team KS teams for this and it is their favorite wrestling event that they attend.

I am not arguing to not have an individual state. I like the idea of having both.

I know some other rules will have to change in order to pull this off but I think it would be awesome to do a dual state!

Shawn Budke