I just call it as I see it.I was talking about the kids coming out with sunglasses talking on cell phones. I don't understand why their parents allowed them to do it.

I don't subscribe to the arguement that these kids have done this work and that work. The truth is every other kid out there participating put in the exact same work so to speak. And surprisingly enough you don't see a lot of them acting in that manner. I don't believe you can use excuses to justify poor behavior.

I'm not saying some of these things that were done where awful and terrible. Why not act in the spirit of the sport. Showboating is showboating.

From Websters

1. (informal) a person who behaves flamboyantly to gain attention; show-off.

Would talking on a cell phone not be an attempt to draw attention to one's self? Backflips to the center?

Hey I'm not saying don't have fun out there, because thats what we are all here for. But there is a time and place for that, and I personally believe that time is after you have won the finals match, and even then it shouldn't be something to degrade your opponent. To do this stuff before that match in an introduction meant to show mutual respect is disgraceful. Go out there shake the opponents hand and then go back and get yourself ready for the match (mentally/physically).

I can't say I'd have a major problem with this type of stuff continuing to go on from a standpoint of needed action by the state board. I think the lack of respect from those that understand sportsmanship is probably punishment enough. I cite as and example, that large amount of booing that happens to wrestlers who draw attention to themselves for whatever reason ( Not that I agree that booing is sportsmanlike either)

Ok, to clear some things up. I was talking about the 8 and under kid, and I assumed everyone knew who I was talking about and I got a chuckle out of it b/c it was an innocent thing. Also, I'm not saying that every kid in the finals should do something ridiculous and dumb for attention. I've never acted that way and won't ever encourage a kid to act that way. I do think that some showboating is good for the sport. It draws attention not only to them, but to the sport. I'm not for the extreme showboating, but I'm all for watching some of the smaller stuff. There's nothing wrong with a kid doing a backflip after he's introduced. It's all in fun in my opinion.

And Mr. Gaither, I think we should blame it more on the fact that I know nothing about the sport...

These kids are getting exactly what they wanted "Attention" from all of us....I agree right place and time for everything...
I guess we can be thankful that it wasnt our daughter or son out there making fools of themselves......

Wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to all wrestlers, who placed at state and even to the ones who didnt....its a great honor to even be there......Be proud of yourselves.......

Who was the cell phone culprit?

You call it as it you see it? No, you get on the internet under a psuedo name and attack people, that is what you are doing. What is your motive in refering to them as street thugs? If it was to stop showboating, then speak on that issue without using such negative,demeaning terms to describe those that participated. My point was and still is, how dare you refer to them as street thugs. Do you get some sort of pleasure in degrading 14/16 year olds. IF your topic is "showboating should not be allowed", then stick to your point without name calling, if you are mature enough to do that.

My son felt totally ashamed after reading this post last night. I told him not to worry about it because in my opinion he has nothing to be ashamed about. Call him a thug, unsportsmanlike, or any thing else you want but let me say this. None of you know my son so until you get to know him don’t pass judgment. He was in no way trying to be disrespectful to anyone. We have been going to the state tournament for years now and one of our favorite parts are the introductions. I can’t remember a year when at least one kid didn’t do a back flip. Why is this the first time that anyone has said anything about it being disrespectful? For those of you who do know my son you know that he is very shy and will hardly talk to you until he gets to know you. He would have never dreamed that he was being disrespectful when he did the back flip during introductions. He didn’t even want to do it. He had several people (mostly adults) trying to talk him into it. I know that there rules about unsportsmanlike conduct. If this is so terrible why have they allowed it for years?

John Leupold

John, please tell your son that I liked the back flip; I liked his finals match even more. Keep up the good work.

People I think we need to be careful here. A wrestler should respect his opponent and I would admonish anyone who in anyway fails to do that. The antics portion is not that big a deal. We are a diverse group with many backgrounds and these kids sometimes feel the need to express themselves and that is just the way kids are. I suggest we should allow that freedom of expression and not worry about it. Of course the parents and coaches should instruct and monitor the behavior. By the way, Camron Leupold is a great kid. My $.02.

Tom Williams

one of the many reasons im proud of my son is when a match is over you could not tell if he won or lost,never disrespecting his opponets or officals even on some questionable calls.he always would shake refs hand after a match and that comes from wrestling 8 yrs for matt collins and mayo tovar, it comes from the coaches and or clubs, on just how much they will allow and how they want their club to be represented.

I left before the finals and didn't see any of this, but it's bad enough we have to endure all the premeditated endzone celebrations in the NFL. Thank God for college sports that still demand a little class. I don't mind some excitement, back flips for example, something spontaneous. But the premeditated showboating shows nothing but lack of class and arrogance that you may or may not be able to back up. Most people love nothing more than watching the guy that acts like that going down. I have a lot more respect for a kid that lets his wrestling ability do the talking for him.

John,

You are correct, kids have been doing backflips for years. Frankly, I haven't had a real problem with that and this topic would not probably be posted if backflips were the worst being done. I think the reason for the outcry this year is not because of the backflips. It has escalated to cell phones, sunglasses, poses and fake photographers following you onto the mat.

Thanks to all for the kind words....I agree it got a little out of control this year.

I'm glad you cleared that up. On the surface it sounded like a motivated show of disrespect. Now I understand what you meant Curtis. I really have no problem with the backflips, as long as it's after the handshake. The cell phone however was a weak attempt to gain attention.

john,
I was not talking about Camron there is nothing wrong with what he did. I am sorry if I offended anyone but when the kids come out with the sunglasses and cellphones I thought it was tacky at best. Maybe thug was too strong a word but when it happened thats what I thought. I think its important for kids to realize how they are percieved by other people, and that their actions directly reflect on that. again I am sorry if anyone was offended. wanwan21 who are you??

Tom Baughman

great sport yes but do your history the only reason the sport exist becuase gladator to proform infront of 87000 romans show off there abilties as a fighter but also entertianing the fans so they get payed and feed so there showing off is just tradtion

First of all Mr.Leuopold by no means was I bad mouthing your son,to be honest didn't even notice him doing one,met him at salina and was really impressed so my apology...I seen a little older kid doing back flips and that was all I seen do one,,My point is this,as these kids grow into young men and Im talking 12 and up they know when they are being disrespected,shown up,etc.... what would have happened if the other young man who was waiting for a hand shake felt shown up and carried that into his/her match and it escalated into something major then that young man would be hung on this forum probally by the same people who are condoning the back flips,cell phone etc.... I agree with CHIEF if your gonna do that wait until after you shake hands,my son who is 13 fought same actions in football and frankly said if that would have happened to him he would have turned around and not shook his oppanents hand,him and his teamates all looked at it as disrespectful,would you give him or whoever the same understanding for not shaking a hand or having words during/after there matchup???? I thought I might have over reacted and kept my mouth shut but more I think about it dont think so,it's not the circus where acts like that would be gladly seen,not calling anyone out,that's not my intention but if my son did that I would expect to read the same on some post

I agree, backflips maybe done after the shake aren't that big of a deal, but if we continue to let this escalate like it did this year, it will only get much worse.

The sport wouldn't have existed if not for gladiators entertaining the fans to get paid and fed? Now that is called reaching.