Every year I notice brackets where by the “luck of the draw” kids either advance effortlessly out due to a bye(s) or find themselves on the hard/easy side of the bracket. For the most part this is just the nature of the beast but given several posts over the years including a present one “I don’t understand”, I would like some feedback if the following makes sense.
I understand life isn’t fair and I understand we can’t change everything but I also believe that every wrestler that has worked hard all season to make it to state in hopes of placing deserves the same right as any other wrestler in their bracket. Unfortunately sometimes, and it is no fault of anyone or any district, situations arise when seeds are left open (sometimes multiple seeds) allowing for a wrestler to advance unchallenged to the medal round. There are other, more frequent times, when one side of the bracket may be loaded and the other will be made up of less talented wrestlers. We all like to say, “the cream rises to the top” but unfortunately this isn’t always the case especially when all the cream is on one side. I am not advocating that we change any seeding or district assignments, what I am interested in is; does challenge matches make sense for 2nd place? I will be the first to say, my own son has benefited from the current rules. Years ago he placed 2nd but the other side was completely stacked. This year due to open seeds he will advance all the way to the semis. I can’t help think what everyone on the other side must think and how this is right. I can assure you Tanner does not want the bye(s) and possibly leave questions of whether he deserves to place automatically.
With that being said I believe by implementing challenge matches we bring some clarity to who deserves 2nd. This simple solution erases most questions and concerns on whether little Johnny got screwed by being in the wrong district at the wrong time.
I am not aware if this has ever been recommended to the state body but should there be interest in this I will make a recommendation this summer so this could be implemented next year. Your thoughts and feedback are welcomed.
