Some regional, sectional tournaments true 2nd actually determines whether or not the wrestler moves on to the kids, HS or College - State or National Tournament.
Then the true 2nd sometimes is offered at those next level tournaments. Gold, Silver or Bronze. I have a tough time saying the 2nd best guy on a given day (Silver medalist) is meaningless.

How about at the big tens this year wrestling back for 9th place and then placing higher at D-I Nationals.