D. J. Sorry, this is just a personal issue for me. I generally prefer to sit back and mostly read instead of commenting the majority of the time, and I definitely try to avoid the "controversial" topics. I've "cringed' at a couple of the topics that include my son lately. He's a kid that prefers to be out of the conversation and not a part of a topic of any controversy and I know he'll wish I would have just left this alone I can asure you, but I just couldnt! I know first hand what this sport has afforded a SMALL KID and what opportunites he now has available, as well as the financial assistance for his college future that it has provided.
I'll get off my soap box after this post and leave it alone. I had a great back and forth discussion last year with Vince Nowak, who I really like and respect, on this same issue so dont take my comments as disrespecfull to you at all.
Obviously, I'm going to have to say that YES, a freshman has more chance of getting to state at a lighter weight. I also have to say DUH! How many freshman would you estimate have a greater chance to make the football team if they weigh more than 152lbs, or make the basketball team if they are taller than 6'2?? Since the little/shorter guy gets screwed in the other sports does that mean we have to follow suit and treat them the same way in wrestling? My position is no, and I'm happy to voice that.
But 103 lbs is not nearly as dominated by the "9th grader" as you would suggest. Taylors Freshman year he had to face Stroot (a SENIOR)at regionals in the 103lb class. He won. At state he lost to the JUNIOR Ornelas in the semi's, who then beat the SENIOR Stroot in the finals. I think that scenario could be argued many years if researched. 103 is not simply a Freshman Bracket.
Now, lastly: I honestly do NOT have the answer and do not have the time or motivation to research it, BUT I am willing to "guesstimate" the result of the research of what I am about to suggest.
One of the hottest topics every single year is how to make Kansas wrestling more competitive and successful Nationally. And every year the replies are that we ARE competitive nationally and on the college level. SO... My question is: when we are talking about our success in the national spotlight and on to the college level, those athletes we are basing this success on: WHAT WEIGHT DID THEY START OUT AS FRESHMAN? I really dont know and I'm not going to reasearch it, but off hand I think of Tanner Gardner, Eric Luedke, Tyler Caldwell, Kendrick Maple, The Kellers, Slyter, the potential that Furches had, DeShazer, Madl,etc... Guys wreslting at KS. colleges like Vesta, Callahan(s), Barber, on and on. What weight did their high school career begin? Yep, lets make Kansas more competitive. Sit the little guys out a year while they grow. Whats a year of mat time? Once they grow they'll make us better nationally.... cmon.