i have read the forums ever since my son started wrestling in first grade - but have never felt the need to post. However, the middle school duals are something that I feel I need to put my two cents in as I think it is probably one of the best experiences my son Alan has ever had. He went to the tournament his 6th grade with three of his 7th and 8th grade buddies as a lark and never thought he would make the team - but he did. He was suppose to go to Elementary school duals, but since he had won the spot - middle school was where he was going. A 6th grade wrestling 110 in middle school duals is not a pretty sight - he went 1-7. But boy did he learn alot, he saw wrestling at a whole different level and learned what the team dual concept was all about which really gets them ready for high school. Plus the next year one of his main focuses was to make the team again and do better - which he did. He went 5-3 with one bad beating, a one point loss, and one he lost himself. But it also motivated him to do Schoolboy duals in the summer which has only added to his improvement. Eighth grade wrestling is tough as everything is the last this or that and all they want to do is be in high school wrestling, yet again all year he has been focued on the middle school championships and wants to make team one, get the cool swag, and go out and compete with the best. Becuase these AAU teams that come in are tough and they are there to represent their states - it is a privilege and they compete. I would highly recommend that you send your 6th, 7th, or 8th grade to go compete for a spot - if they win one, it is a source of pride and they will learn alot out there and make great friendships that will last. I know that this has made Alan a better wrestler, but more important - a better person by being a part of this. I would say it is probably one the of the best experiences your wrestler can be a part of.

Becky Clothier