Good weekend of wrestling, though we really missed the crowd noise of 4A in Wichita.

Weird things occurred this weekend, and maybe I've got my underwear bunched.

Oddity #1

Wrist bands attached to our wrestlers. What was it's intent again? And when did we agree with this? When were we notified of such implementation (other in our packets when we opened them)?

As soon as I opened the packet, I saw the yellow sheet and went to ask one of the tournament directors about the bands. His response was that they are doing it at national tournaments in college. I asked someone that went to the National Duals in Iowa and he said there weren't any bands and I haven't seen them used anywhere else.

I asked one of the officials that I know because if anyone would know, he would. He told me that in the officials meeting that he was told the bands are on, they are not to worry about it. It would seem to me that KSHSAA is asking the officials to not do what they are suppose to do - protect the athletes. One finger caught, then broke is a huge liability for KSHSAA (one would think).

Oddity #2 - If this was an executive decision, wouldn't it be better to notify the participating schools of such change before opening a packet? What is the "legality" (poor wording) of issuing such an order? Is such ruling from top down correct? I've tried to go through the KSHSAA website and cannot figure it out. Probably a question best left to Salyer.

Oddity #3 - Two man mechanics during the entire tournament. Not that I don't like it, but didn't see the purpose. What is the role of the 2nd official? Can he confer and reverse a call made by the head official? In Frestyle/Greco, it works a little different. I understand the head official has control of the match, so what does the assistant do other than signify illegal holds that the head doesn't see? If a kid is fleeing the mat, can he make that call over the head official?

In all, the tourney went without a hitch and it was enjoyable.

Congrats to all, especially to the Edison boys, the 6A 119 lbers and 125 lbers (The top 3 in 6A and top 2 in 5A were in the same weight @ one time HOLY COW), the insane 5A running for state champion team title, and various upsets/suprises that got no love in the press but didn't let it get to them.

I had a blast.

Jeremy Gibson
Asst Coach
Topeka High