There is significant issues facing KSHSAA right now. The current fiscal crisis, that will only get worse in the near future, facing the schools is a significant concern. Hence why Regionals are based on pure geographic considerations and not "strength" or "historical" considerations.

I personally believe that splitting up the state tournament venues would be a significant mistake. Both for the good of the sport and for the value it provides the attendees. I believe that there are two separate issues: Facilty value (KSHSAA primary concern - it has to be) and the management issue of that facility. If both can be rectified to the KSHSAA favor (economically) it makes sense to keep all three classes in Wichita. But, fiscally speaking it does not make sense to conduct multiple venues. You are spreading the dollars too thin for KSHSAA to make the profit necessary.

The question now is "Why is profit important?" That is a reality and KSHSAA must make sensible business decisions. The other component that they need to address is the marketing of wrestling as a sport. The media coverage (newspaper, Statewide/Live Finals televised, etc.) will come out of this. We all can assist here thru the KWCA and the school administrators group.

Finally, I agree with Mr. Shea that I wish KSHSAA would go to two classes. I believe that you would see the interest, fervor, and attendance at the Regional and State tournaments increase. With Class I (large) with 80 schools and Class II with approx 120. Eight Regionals, with top three coming out to a 24 man bracket at state. This works in other states - limiting the numbers increases the interest and will significantly increase the KSHSAA gate.

And it is important to "mean" something as a wrestler to make State a tough plateau to reach. It is also exciting to sit in a 20 team District in Iowa and have over 1,000 people in the gym or attend the Nebraska state finals with 15,000 lining Devaney Center.

Whatever the solution - and I realize that there is a broad spectrum of opinions - KSHSAA needs to move in the direction that is best for them fiscally and the sport as a whole. When that decision is made we all need to get behind it - regardless of our opinions - to move this sport upwards and onwards. Participation is increasing in the kids rank - our challenge is to translate that to increased numbers at the High School ranks.

And Dual State is a WONDERFUL idea. That is a suggestion we should ALL get behind when this thread is finished. Good Luck to all and to Rick.