One of the things I love the most about wrestling is that it doesn't discriminate on socioeconomic status. It doesn't matter if you live in a cardboard box or if you live in a mansion, everyone has the same opportunities. If we set up the open qualification system, we are essentially saying "If you have the money, you can go to state" As a kid, there is NO WAY I'd have been able to travel to a second district tournament.

Also, isn't our kids programs supposed to be preparing them for high school competition? I've never known of a kid to go from a kids program, never wrestling in high school and go to college and wrestle, so why setup our qualifiers to a system that has limited connection to our purpose? In high school, you go to the regional that you live in, even if all 6 of the best wrestlers are in the regional.

Anyone can be beaten on any given day, therefore the 16 best are always at the state tournament.