I think the first "OFFICIAL" kids state was in Manhattan in 1974. That was when the Kansas Kids Wrestling Federation was organized and recognized, through the efforts of men like Ben Bennett, Mr.Bontz, Lawrence Alley, Gus Garcia, Mr. Faust from Derby, with a little help from Fred Fozzard.

The tournaments in Manhattan prior to that, while maybe not official, were some of the toughest in memory (I am old, and my memory is slipping a little) but is seems like 60 was a small bracket in those days. A lot of fun in Ahearn! I think at that time they were called the Kansas Kids Olympics or something like that, and it got more organized every year.

Sam McFee