We are suffering with lower participation numbers. I believe those declining numbers have been at least partially the result of 16 hour days spent in over-crowded gyms under very trying conditions during the 80's. Admittedly, we did produce some fine wrestlers but at what cost? First, we lost all but the most dedicated parents who took their kids to play another sport. Second, because we didn't have novice tournaments at that time, we lost many of the less than best wrestlers. For those that weren't around at that time, if you had a wrestler of average size it was very likely they would see at least a 16 man bracket every weekend. The problem is, we not only lost one generation of kids but in effect two, because many of those kids who were exposed to wrestling at that time will not bring their own children back to give it a try.
I'm not one of those who thinks we need to be striving to get bigger and badder all the time. Call me crazy, but I still think we need to strive to make this sport fun. Not only for the kids but mom and dad as well. I think if we do that the numbers will take care of themselves.