I would like to respond to the individual who does not agree with the money being spent towards the Cadet/Junior program. At one time, I also felt the same way.

What Mike Juby said earlier about a perfect example (Danny Grater, our son) is true. When Danny was a beginner at the Kids level, it was hard to understand why they needed this money. However, our minds changed as we seen our son grow and develop into a better wrestler, not only at the kids level, but also at the high school and national level. As a freshman, he was able to compete with upperclassman and placed 6th at the HS State Tournament and last year, was a State Champion as a sophomore. He has also been an All-American at both levels, as well as a National GR Cadet Champion. He did not get that way by just doing folkstyle!! He achieved these honors by wrestling in the summer program and competing with best at Regional / National tournaments like Fargo! It is not only our son who has benefited, but any wrestler who has participated in the program. The money that is spent by our Kansas Cadets & Juniors Division is minimual compared to what some state programs spend (I've been to Fargo and have asked other pairers what it cost their sons to attend).

From what I read earlier, you stated that money is being collected from sub-district, district, and state tournaments at the kids level to help fund these program. That additional fee WAS DONE AWAY WITH several years ago and the Cadet/ Junior program is funded at the corporate level. Even if the Kids Level was still helping fund the Cadets/Jrs., where better to spend an additional $5-$10 than on our youth!! If they are wrestling at these levels, most likely they aren't the ones getting into trouble.

Where do you think these older wrestlers came from? They came from the Kids Program and have just moved up in age. They are still very much a part of Kansas Kids Wrestling, just a little older. We need to support these wrestlers, whether they are 8 years old or 17 years old and I have boys at both those levels!!

As Brett said, where are the college coaches at - Fargo!!! The college coaches are looking for the better quality wrestlers who are willing to participate at that level, and who put in the extra time during the off season and work at trying to be better.

If you have a problem how the Junior / Cadet Programs is doing or being funded, I suggest you contact your District Director or feel free to contact Greg Grater, Kids State Director.

These programs have our full support and will for years to come. Until you have a child who participates and you actually see how they can benefit, it is hard to understand. All levels of wrestling in the State of Kansas need to be supported!!

Leanna Grater
gratergr@kansas.net