Too many options in big schools and many kids in larger areas don't want to work as hard as wrestling requires. Larger schools quite simply have the most opportunity, and the least participation percentage. That is a issue that nobody has solved. The top kids are still usually more frequent in the larger schools I believe because for those who want it they have more access to different coaches, facilities, and workout partners. It's simply more kids in a smaller area. Over 50% of the ranked kids and over 70% of the #1 all-class kids are 5a or 6a. My kid can get to east KS, Purler, Park Hill, MoWest, and Victory all in less than 45 minutes. You can't do that in smaller areas. But that still does not give you full rosters. At it's core wrestling is not a "city" sport. It's a rural blue colar, get to work sport. You just don't see that enough right now.

Wrestling is hard and more and more kids right now don't want to work. Those that do will always have my respect. Just being honest. Here is to all the kids that come out for wrestling and work hard every day. That will get you far when your wrestling life is over.