I did visit with Rick Bowden of the KSHSAA about this situation this weekend. Over the last several years I've heard growing complaints about the Kansas Coliseum in Wichita, particularly surrounding the facility, staff, and prices. Mr. Bowden said the 4A-5A-6A State tournaments will be back at the Coliseum one more year to finish out the contract. At that point, the KSHSAA will consider the possibility of am alternative venue. He said he has received a large number of complaints regarding the tournament at the Coliseum. FYI

Personally, my biggest complaint about the state tournament is the length. I think if we are able to put down four mats per classification, this would speed things along some, perhaps cutting off 2-3 hours of total time. I think we need to make things as friendly as possible for those most important to our sport. . .the kids and their families. Having them in gymnasiums for 10-12 hours every Saturday makes for a long season, especially for those not as "gung-ho" about wrestling as us coaches and a select few wrestlers/parents. We need to get them out of the gyms while it is still daylight as often as possible.

Starting the Saturday state finals around 2 or 3 p.m. instead of 6:30 would be a good move. Perhaps four mats would allow us to accomplish this. This is why I think we should join the 4A and 3-1A tournaments and the 5A and 6A tournaments in a site that can lay down 8 mats, regardless of where we choose.

Hays sure seems like a long haul for Eastern 4A schools, I think that would cut down tremendously on the number of fans they would be able to get to come out and support them. Salina seems like a good geographical fit, but it also seems like everyone I talk to has nothing but positive things to say about the tourney in Hays. Maybe it can rotate every few years, just some thoughts.

Congratulations to all the wrestlers who accomplished their goals this year. And to those who fell just short, be proud of yourselves for pursuing your dreams with courage and valiance. The overall experience helps you to become the men you wish to ultimately become.

Regards,
Kit Harris
Baldwin HS