The Kansas Kids Parade of Champions is something I look forward to every year. I run to the stands to video tape it and each year, my eyes well up watching the kids run out and I feel so happy for all of them to experience it. The highs are so high and the lows so low during the season that some of those kids that run out of the tunnel in the Expocentre never thought they would be there!

I've had some thoughts about the parade though, and most are just from a parent in the stands. In no way do I want to discredit anyone though that helps put on the parade because every year I think it's pretty amazing. I can't imagine the time that the Buckley's or Ned or others that I've missed, have put into this to make it special for everyone. For that I thank you.

Rather my observations are this:

I love that this last year, you had the 3rd/4th and 4/5 run out to half dimmed lights to the music. In years passed I remember it with all the lights on, and then other years with all the lights off with the spot lights. With all the lights on, as a parent videotaping, it's great because I can videotape wrestlers running out and shake hands with their opponents. Plus I can videotape others we know. With the lights completely off, I barely found our wrestlers to videotape the shaking of hands and actually followed another wrestler thinking it was one of ours. This last year, with the lights dimmed halfway and spotlights still going, I was still able to get my boy and his teammates. Great improvement for those videotaping. I think the having the lights dimmed for 3/4 and 5/6 gave the kids a lot of excitement while still allowing all the parents to capture it.

Now the finals, the lights completely off with the spotlight is the way to go. I know it has motivated lots of wrestlers to someday run out onto the mats in that manner. On the plus side, parents can still find their kid if the spotlights scan them while running in, and for sure parents will get there kids on video as they are being introduced.

Music:

I know that's another animal in itself, but I love that you brought back "eye of the tiger" for the finals. There could be others but you got to go with old faithful! My second favorite, "we will rock you" by queen. My son saw the finalists run out to that song and willed himself to be in the finals the next year just to hear that song! Lol. The beat is great for firing up kids. My long shot, that I play at our practices to fire up the kids, AC/DC "Thunderstruck.". Go to Flowrestling and search the iowa vs iowa state dual. You will see how it fires everyone up.

I can't wait till Ned leads the wave with the spotlights following it! I am excited to see all the upsets and great matches that our Kids State Championships have every year. Above all, I want to thank everyone who puts all the time and effort that you do to make this a great experience for everyone involved!

See you at "THE SHOW!"

I vote you for the PR person and promotor for this awesome event that does bring chills and excitiment to all in attendance.

As always please feel free to make GREAT suggestions like Bronson just did. It is about the kids so we are always looking for ways to make it better.

I can't wait for the SHOW!!!

Ned

Guys

My son took 5th and won't be going to Topeka. This is only his 2nd year wrestling so, maybe next year. What would help him would be to see this event first hand. If anyone has a link to video of this event we would love to show it at our house.

My son aswell took 5th at Districts, but i am going to take him to topeka to watch the opening ceremonies and his teamates wrestle,, and for sure the parade of champions, so he can see what he is going to be wrestling for next year as he enters his first 8U season,, being there in person has more of an effect, if your able to go. My son set his own goal last year for this year and he accomplished it by becoming a 6U state champ, and so i want him there to watch this weekend, so he can set his goal for next year!

p.s. is there a set time the parade of champions will start?

PARADE OF CHAMPIONS / FINALS ROUND: The finals round is tentatively scheduled to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. ALL WRESTLERS participating in the Parade of Champions will be required to be in sweats. There will be two mats for 8 and under, then a mat for 5th-6th, 3rd-4th, 1st-2nd in each of the other age groups (10, 12, 14, & High School). Before the start of the finals round, all six wrestlers will be escorted into the arena. Only those wrestlers competing for the title of “Champion” will be introduced. These wrestlers should begin lining up in Exhibition Hall at 2:15 p.m. You can gain entrance to Exhibition Hall through Exit 8, north end / upper level. Remember, these times are all approximate! We will begin earlier if we find we are ahead of schedule!

Here's the Iowa vs Iowa State entry from Flowrestling. I stand corrected, Thunderstruck is the second song played. I still gives me goosebumps as it plays and they give the introductions. You can click the "introdcutions" video to see the second half.

http://www.flowrestling.org/videos/cover...he-packed-house

I don't want to jack my own thread, but here's another great video with Thunderstruck playing to some of our Army pilots flying helicopters!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f1cwycSWq0

I use to love riding in choppers with my legs hanging out while flying nap of the earth! Also this is a nod to a KC Prodigy coach who use to fly them!

JMO--From the moment I heard the song "Stand Up for the Champion" by Right Said Fred, I have always thought that it should be part of the Parade of Champions at State Wrestling. Has a very good message in it for the kids.

I agree with you Sandra....pretty cool at 6U State in Ottawa couple years ago. Assume they still play it there.

ICTDAD,

Here is a link to a piece of the parade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyGS5J6a1t4

Thanks TP

I also would like to give him an idea of the awards givin. Do they have tropheys er what?

Plaques