I still don't understand why we have this requirements. I listened at the state meeting and 2 things caught my attention that seem to be at odds with each other....

1. We were told we want to maximize KS participation in Southern Plains because it is back in KS.

2. All KS participants have to attend a camp in order to participate in southern plains.

These 2 goals/guidance/desires of the state board don't support each other.

I understand why the board made the camp a requirement but I just don't think it is a realistic requirement if you want to maximize participation.

As I see it, the executive board has two choices...
1. Maximize participation
2. Keep the camp requirement

The following are the reasons I do not support the idea of a camp requirement....

1. Not realistic to expect 6,8 and 10 year olds to go to a week long overnight camp without their parents or local coaches. I think this will keep most kids in those age groups from participating.

2. A lot of kids are playing baseball and other sports during this time of year. Most can break away for a weekend tournament but will not leave the team to go to a camp for 10 days.

3. Cost. This sport is already very expensive. Adding on the price of a camp makes it infeasible for a lot to even contemplate participating.

4. 24/7 pretty much summed up the plight of the School Boy aged kids.

BLUF: If you want to maximize participation, then drop the camp requirement.

If the board chooses to keep the camp requirement then I would like answers to the following questions so I can give informed information and guidance to the wrestlers/parents on our team about attending this tournament or not.....

1. If one of the reasons for the camp is to foster the Tm KS concept then do the kids (regardless of age) that attend the camp and wrestle in the tournament get tshirts, shorts, singlets, etc.? Just like the teams that go to Fargo.

2. Can we get bios on the coach's running the camps and get their contact info so parents can contact them before sending their little guys to them for a week?

3. Can local club coach's attend so we can learn the technique that is being taught/recommended by the state of Kansas? If so, what is the cost?

BLUF: I hope we choose to maximize participation and do away with the camp requirement. As it stands right now, I cannot aggressively encourage or recommend to my wrestlers and parents to participate in the camp or tournament. I will tell them about it but I won't encourage them to participate. Do away with the camp requirement and I will do everything I can to ensure maximum participation from our club.

If you want to have some type of screening criteria then make the requirement that you have to participate in the Freestyle and Greco State tournament.

Just my thoughts.

Shawn Budke