There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into hosting a tournament. Let alone the amount or work that goes into hosting an emotional event like Districts. Things were organized well both by the Ottawa Wrestling Club and the District 1 Tournament/Bracket Makers/Medal Awarders/State Sign-Up Crew, which by-the-way are some of the best folks I know in the Kansas Wrestling Family!

The addition of the extra mats created a better wrestling environment for the wrestlers. It also helped with the time problems we have had in the past as we were done by mid to late afternoon, which has to be a record. Things were much better than in 2003, and I think our kids benefited from the extra efforts on everyone's part!

On Sunday, we had a chance to be a part of the 6&Under "State Championship" tournament hosted by the Ottawa Wrestling Club. Again, things were organized, the concessions were top-notch, and Rick Croucher and the Ottawa crew did a super job of running a kid-friendly tournament and did the "extra" things to make this tournament a neat experience for kids from all over Kansas.

I can only imagine how tired the coaches and parents of the Ottawa Mat Masters must have been Sunday evening after a long 3 days of work, plus weeks of preparation.

Thanks for giving our Burlington Mat Cats the opportunity to do be a part of 2 great tournaments and to have many great wrestling experiences this past weekend!

Doug Vander Linden
Burlington Wrestling Club

Ditto!! Again, a job well done. I think you all gave the 6u's a little "Bid Dance" all their own. My son slept all the way home with HUMUNGOUS(his word)plaque snuggly cradled across his chest. LOL. Props to all who went the extra mile for the 6 & unders.

I would also like to thank Ottawa for 3 wonderful tournaments this year. They definitely rank up there with the best of this years wrestling season. My husband, a friend and I got to work a table and it was a great experience, a great seat and we saw tremendous wrestling! I have learned alot this year and have Ottawa and other great clubs to thank for that! Good Luck to every wrestler next week and to all of us adults, parents and coaches--- remember why we do this----- FOR THE KIDS!

amy vanhoose
gardner edgerton

the same goes here, the mat masters really know how to put on a good tournament. Sunday was the 5th time we have been there and each time went smooth. can't wait till next year.

The only beef I had with Ottawa was the 6 and under State Champ. Tourn. In the 49 lb. bracket, there were 38 KIDS!!! This is too much to expect out of these young kids. It just goes to show that we need to include the little guys in qualifications with the others and let them represent in Topeka.

It's hard to lobby for 6 & Under at Topeka, when Ottawa does such a great job!!!

I have mixed emotions about promoting the effort to include 6 & Under in the State series. But, I do feel strongly about the outstanding way the Ottawa Mat Masters take care of these little wrestlers. It is an AWESOME experience!

Thank you again, Rick, Beth and everyone else!!!

Ottawa did run a great tournament and we will be back next year.But I still think they should have a 6 and under at Topeka it will probably never happen but who knows.As for the 49lbs bracket my son Dayton was in it and I see nothing wrong with letting every 6 year old wrestle even if it ended up a full 64 man bracket.these little guys look at it as the big state tournament and are proud to be there.And when they go home and tell all their friends they made it to state and placed or not they are proud.Keep up the great work Ottawa.

Thanks Ottawa... Donnie pretty much summed it up.

We sent 3 wrestlers, one placed and I am pretty sure he has that placque stuffed under his pillow at night.

I think it is time for the State to realize these youngsters, 6 and under, are the future of Kansas wrestling. Let's give them the same opportunity we give to the other kids.

Again...Thanks Ottawa for being a gracious host.

Spartacus

Amen Spartacus,6 and under need to be reconized at Topeka because they are the future the few 16 year olds are gone next year.The 6 and under would fill almost every bracket to a full 16 man bracket.

Well im not six years old but I'd be much prouder to win a 64-man bracket than a 16. I disagree with asking too much out of the little kids. Heck they have more energy than most of us do.

The experience was something my some will not forget we will be back great job Ottawa