Why does every tournament start with 103 and end with 275? I've been a wrestling fan for over 40 years and every year I wonder why all tournaments are always run this way. In the last few years, Kansas has had some of the best 215 pounders of any state in the nation.(placings at last years nationals helps with my point)
Last night at Wichita, I observed approx. 50% of the crowd had left before 215 started. It is only my opinion, but I felt wrestling fans missed some amazing athletes. Every year after the state tournament, I ask myself the same question "why are all tournaments run 103-275.
At the Newton tournament, I stayed to watch the 215 match between Bedore and Hemmerling. I rank that match as one of the top 5 matches I've ever watched. That match had it all, two awsome competitors with great technique, power, balance and stamina. Congratulations to those two for winning the state championship in their respective classes. I will always wonder why the heavier weights go last in a tournament and 50% of the people never stay to watch them wrestle.