Man, why can't we put our energy for denigrating others that love our sport to better use? I understand everyone's arguments (agree with a few), but I am amazed at how many people get on here to bash KIDS. I realize you're trying to put down a class (which was determined by a group in an office in Topeka, for what that's worth), but by putting down kids' records you're putting them down.

I really don't care about losing records. Just a few things I've seen over the years about losing records:
* Kid is new to the sport, but somebody that loves it knew it would be good for him/her to do. They don't have a lot of talent, but are improving their lives by being part of a great sport.

* Kid wrestles really tough competition on a regular basis. I ran a seeding meeting yesterday that had a team get several kids with losing records a seed over winning records. These kids had beat the winning records and had multiple losses to highly ranked kids. This was a 4A regional, but it happens in all classes.

* Quality of coaching and feeder programs. Let's face it, if you grew up in places like Ark City, Abilene, Clay Center, Garden City, Colby, etc,etc, you are going to have a better chance of being surrounded by good wrestling people. Some programs can't find people that want to coach for the right reasons. Some people banter back and forth for hours online when they could be involved with improving wrestling wherever they are. Coach, officiate, mentor, or do something to help out.

* Ultimately, losing records don't usually have anything to do with the real discussions about how a bracket turned out. Of course occasionally there is a "Mark Branch" moment. If you want to talk about the quality of wrestling, look at the front end.

Finally, for everyone that thinks there should be a change in regionals, state, etc,...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO GET IT ACCOMPLISHED? I'm pretty sure nobody at KSHSAA or NWCA gives a dang about your number of posts on this forum. Do something to help make a change.

I'm off to watch some good wrestling. Doesn't matter what class. I just love being around the sport and the kids that love it.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardation

Its a word that I have known since the 1st grade. At every school I went to they were known as the retarded kids. theres is alot of other crap going on right now on this planet and I just read someone is trying to get the word retarded banned this is America the same right that give My lil Brother the right to start Wrestlers for Christ give me the right to say what ever words i want. This county is turning into a bunch of sissys you cant say this or do that cuz you might offend someone. Who cares what other people think. You want to get down in the middle of the mat and pray with your buddies go ahead who cares what other people think. You refuse to stop saying a word that has been taught and repeated you entire life who cares its called the First Amendment you dont like it you are a communist and you need to leave. Move to Canada they wont ever piss you off.

* Ultimately, losing records don't usually have anything to do with the real discussions about how a bracket turned out. Of course occasionally there is a "Mark Branch" moment. If you want to talk about the quality of wrestling, look at the front end.

I agree with this to a point. But when 28% of you regional has less than 5 wins something should be changed.

WHO CARES! Enough is enough. Your all acting like a bunch of little kids. Grow up! You've all made your points, quit hounding on each other and praise the kids for their work this weekend.

I can't believe I'm doing this, but... what are you doing to change it? I was one of the original people that worked with Oeser to get a different regional design. Please don't take this as me agreeing with the percentage of losing records as the deciding factor of changing it. I believe it should be the number of quality kids being left at home.

By the way Lucas, I coached 6A, 5A, and 321A. I wrestled 4 & 5A. I believe that due to this, I may have a broader and less bias perspective of the quality of wrestling in Kansas. I was not stud at any level, but I can tell you that the level of wrestling is good at the top of each. There are ebbs and flows in quality all of the time for each classification. Stats can be made into just about anything you want. If you are truly just angry that more kids with losing records get to wrestle at regionals, you need to figure out a way to ensure that all teams wrestle the same strength of schedule, have the same support (administratively and financially), and many other factors. Of course this goes against our freedom of choice that you spoke to earlier. "Faults" in this system are alive and well in about 45 of our states. If we ever find a system that works for everyone, it will be a miracle.

Amen. Best to all wrestlers this weekend & next.