Interesting forum talk on The Mat about 4x high school state champs across the country wrestling in college. It's suggested that they cannot make the line up at a D1 / D2 level, more so D1. The thought is that the athletes ability to win comes natural and in a sense is easy for them. Due to the fact it was easier for them than others in high school, kids, and youth. Once in college athletes don't have the drive to work as hard as it takes to succeed at the next level.

I know Kansas has had quite a few 4xers and was just curious how Kansas 4xers stack up to this argument?

Thoughts?
Stats?

Note:
I am not trying to take anything away from any 4xer. All have my respect and admiration.

I have often wondered this myself. I'm not sure it's just the 4xer's. It's anecdotal, but it sure seems that several successful HS wrestlers go to good programs and and up not wrestling for a variety of reasons.

I know things are a LOT different when it comes to HS vs. College wrestling rooms and that's amplified when talking D1/D2 but I'm concerned as to the reasons they quit. Is it because of the earlier successes vs. not making the line-up, losing the desire or generally something different?

My curiosity is for a couple of reasons. First, Is there something we can do that helps them continue their success in college. Secondly, I enjoy following kids development as they go through the kids & High School ranks then look forward their college careers. It's disappointing when they choose discontinue.

There are too many variables to track and not all have to do with wrestling.

I can tell you from experience that it is hard moving to the next level. I think one of the main reasons is, in high school they are a big fish in a small pond. In college the pond is alot bigger and so are the other fish. It is hard to go from the best in the room to average. It is not as easy as it once was and that is difficult to deal with. The mentality needs to change and they need to set realistic goals to help themselve cope and continue to do well. I could be all wet, but that is how I see it.

come on Beeson...your implying you were the best in the room. Kidding! I agree with Beeson, but I would add - the majority of the AC boys who were 3/4 timers had been wrestling since they were 4, 5, or 6 (as was I) and when the time came to step it up...the stepping was all drained out.

Wrestling since they were 5
Maybe watching weight since they were 8
Wrestling from Nov thru the end of March for 10 yrs before HS
Achieving a huge accomplishment of winning 4 titles in HS
What else would they hope to prove by being an AA?

this really isn't anything new. i have know alot of kids who weren't "top tier" when they were 6-10, then they get into high school and they have passed those kids who were "naturals" when they were younger.