headup i think starting in the 8 and up is where the kids start making their move. my son didnt make it to state his first year in 8 under. won it his top side year. we didnt know what to expect this year going in as he was bottom of 10. we knew we had some of the best practice partners around. he wrestled good all year. going into subs he had his usual growth spurt and had to bump up. didnt know many of the wrestlers but we knew the 2 we had to beat. that didnt happen and he ended up third. so yes if you have the right surroundings the bottom side kids can compete starting at the 8 and under. very few 6 unders will beat the 8 unders. yes there are a handful that have.