Mr. Calhoon,
I would like to respond to a few of your concerns you have expressed.

I feel your claim that a DS is being pushed by a "select few" can be statistically proven incorrect. In numerous coaches polls done by the KWCA, overwhelming support has been shown for the DS proposal (so far it has ranged from 96% to 100% with usually well over 100 "yes" votes with between 0-3 "no" votes). As long as this is the case, the KWCA will continue its efforts as it has (which may or may not be successful, who knows, but we are trying). If this support changes, then perhaps we can consider another proposal, but that is yet to be the case. It is the duty of all KWCA officers, in my opinion, to act on behalf of the entire coaches group. They can't and shouldn't act otherwise. If they did, they would be mishandling their position.

In regards to why a GS has not also been proposed. . .it has. Both were brought up, discussed and thought through, and the general consensus (again shown through polls) was the DS had a much better chance of passing. I recall positive comments being said about both events, but all seemed to be in agreement the GS was very unlikely to gain approval (for numerous reasons). We felt it much wiser to ask for something we had a chance to get, as opposed to wasting time and effort towards something we agreed we could not (and hopefully we are not wasting our time with the DS proposal. . .I would hate to see that, many have worked very hard). But that is why the DS route was chosen.

In regards to your claim that a GS would serve more. . .as far as fans, I think both would draw and entertain large crowds. As far as kids participating. . .a GS of 16 wrestlers in 14 weights would provide an event for 224 wrestlers, all who have had much spotlight all season and probably most of their wrestling lives. A DS of 16 teams per class with 14 wrestlers per team could serve 896 wrestlers, many who have not had much spotlight, but are an important part of our sport just as well. I very much like coaching those kids (the ones who don't win all that much). I admire their daily effort and I get excited when they do accomplish their goals (maybe their first win, a medal, etc.) That is truly one of the joys of coaching and working with youth, it is one of the reasons why I do what I do. But I support an event that involves 896 kids over one that involves 224.

As far as what the entire Kansas wrestling community would support more, who knows, I really don't know how we could ever determine that statistic. Perhaps there is a way but I think it would be tough. But I do know that the KSHSAA only hears proposals from administrators or the KCA via the KWCA. That is why the proposal has come from that organization. If both issues were put before the entire wrestling community, I could see never-ending arguments for both events lasting quite some time.

Kevin, I respect your opinions and admire your enthusiasm for our great sport, however I would like to say I think this forum (provide by the cooperation of the KWCA and USAW-KS) ought to be used for respectful discussion of ideas, thoughts, debates, etc. But at all times maintaining fair treatment of everyone involved, personal attacks are best left out. I feel you have been treated rather respectfully by those posting their views and would like to encourage you to do the same. We are all on the same team here with the same ultimate goal in mind. . .promoting our great sport in our great state, not because of "egos" (which was an unfair jab) but instead for helping youths benefit from this sport the way we all have. Obviously, we all feel that way about wrestling or we wouldn't be doing what we're doing. Let's keep it clean, respectful, fair, and most of all, with the kids in mind.

I will say again, if we are wanting to know our true individual state champions, perhaps we should be putting together a proposal that includes: 1)class regionals, then 2)class states, then 3)all-class grand state, then 4)dual state. This way we have state qualifiers, ind. class champions, then also our true grand state champion, but we also let teams compete against schools their own size in a dual format. Best of all worlds, perhaps. But in reality, that would probably never get through, I don't think the KSHSAA wants to do things "differently" between sports. . .which is likely one of our biggest obstacles with the DS proposal. Maybe worth some thought, though.

Regards,
Kit Harris