Jeff,
About Dual State. . .in visiting with Rick Bowden this summer, he felt it did not need altering, it was a solid proposal and he didn't see the need for changes after all the work we've all done. He did recommend a different plan of attack, suggesting we have the proposal brought forth from the administrators association, which will give it more strength, combining the administrators and the coaches supporting it. We're compiling a list of administrators to contact about this, any names you have who would be helpful with this, forward those to me. Also, we plan on discussing everything once again in Salina in November at the coaches clinic, input is requested. At the Topeka coaches clinic, once again the coaches present were asked if it was still something we supported and if there were any concerns, etc. And again, nobody voiced any disapproval, only supportive comments and excitement about the event. The Wartburg (IA) coach who was present (Jim Miller) spoke up about the Iowa Dual State tournament, saying it was one of the best things the state ever did. He said it is well attended, an exciting event, and different teams would win than did the individual tournament. He also said it is interesting in that kids who placed 3rd, 4th, or 5th will turn around and beat the state champion or runner-up at the dual state.

As far as the sixth-match request, I do not know any details about what happened with that.

I agree with your idea about eliminating half of each bracket in the second round of the state tournament by doing consolations after the first round. It would speed things up, make the floor less congested, and let eliminated kids go ahead and eat and not hold their weight all day unnecessarily. I've heard quite a few coaches speak favorably about this idea. We will need to discuss this in Salina also to see if it is something the coaches support. Rick also saw no problems with this idead, he wanted to see overall coaches support before making this change.

If any coaches have any ideas in favor or against these (or other) ideas, we need to hear feedback, it is the only way we can put together our proposals that we (as a group) want to pursue better our sport in our state. If you can't attend the Salina clinic (I believe it is Nov. 1-2), then please email me (kharris@usd348.com) or KWCA President Richard Fergola (coachfergola@hotmail.com) with your input.

Best of luck to all wrestlers/coaches this year!

Regards,
Kit Harris
Baldwin HS
KWCA Vice President