Mike,

Some members of USAW-Kansas find it difficult to recognize the benefits and challenges associated with the Junior/Cadet program, when their own children may be years away from this age group. I’ve known several people whose viewpoint has changed significantly as their child grew older (I hope he doesn’t mind if I mention his name, but Greg Grater – current Kids Executive Director and father of high school state champion Danny Grater – is a perfect example of this growing awareness of the benefits that come with involvement in the sport). Although I recognize that your opinion is based on knowledge and experience, this is not the case with many.

I would never argue that there are not some members of USAW-Kansas who feel that the support of the Junior/Cadet program is a waste of money. Instead, I was trying to point out that the member clubs of USAW-Kansas (over 180, at current count, which is not really a "very small number of board members") have consistently voted to support this program. As you stated, we do not have a vote by every single member, but I must believe that the club officers who cast their clubs’ votes are generally qualified to represent their members’ wishes in this matter, and will vote based on what they believe is best for their members.

Not every high school wrestler chooses to participate in the Junior/Cadet program. For those that do, I am proud that we have a state organization that is committed to helping these athletes, many of whom represent the best our state has to offer, by helping to absorb the significant financial costs that participation at this level entail.