Mike,

I would disagree with some of the observations that you’ve made regarding the funding, support and advantages of the Junior/Cadet program in Kansas.

First, you are absolutely correct that the Junior/Cadet program relies heavily on the support provided by our state’s strong folkstyle program. However, there have been multiple votes held by the state body over the years over how this program should be funded, and the appropriate levels of funding. In every case, these votes have been overwhelmingly supportive of the current funding levels, refuting your statement that the funding is “unwilling.”

Second, you refer to the Junior/Cadet program as a “parasite.” I think the relationship is more of a symbiotic one. For the wrestlers in these age groups, most of the significant regional and national events available to them come in the freestyle and Greco Roman disciplines, not folkstyle. This is where our high school athletes have the greatest opportunity to compete against the best in the nation, both to improve aspects of their wrestling technique as well as to attract the attention of college coaches.

I am on record as stating that my favorite style of wrestling is folkstyle. Despite this, I have seen firsthand the improvement that has come to kids who have participated in the freestyle/Greco program. My goal is to make Kansas wrestling the best it can be, and a force to be reckoned with across the country. The Junior/Cadet program is an important component of reaching that goal.