Gutwrench is 100 percent on base, but there really is no blame to pass around.

The lack of a Division I program, or even more than two four-year programs, hurts the sport in Kansas as much as anything else. I loved the years I spent in Kansas and will always cherish them. But there is a marked difference between Kansas wrestlers (overall) and those from other states.

There are no upper-level role-models for Kansas wrestlers to look to. Oklahoma has two powerhouse D-I programs, a solid Division II and numberous other smaller schools. Iowa has three D-Is, 12 D-IIIs, a couple of NAIAs and three jucos. All of these schools offer off-season camps and clinics and their coaches are frequently in attendence at high school meets.

Kansas needs college wrestling to move to the next level in high school. For every Taplin, Cornejo, Grater, Robeson, Johnston, Bunch and Coleman there are dozens of others with potential who are stuck in the wrong style.