Every year at almost every weight there is speculation as to who is the best wrestler. For years this state has been deprived of a "Grand State" type of wrestling tournament to see who the baddest dude at each weight class is. That time has finally ended with the new KANSAS THROWDOWN.

Wrestlers- Unless you are injured or have decided to take a break to focus on either a spring sport or Freestyle and Greco then you have no excuse to not participate. You don't need rest. Honestly, what is one more weekend of competition going to hurt? Don't be afraid to compete. If you want to be the best then you have to beat the best, and you can believe that the best will be wrestling this Sunday at the Topeka Expo. Put your money where your mouth is and wrestle.

Cameron would have been there, but tore his MCL at state:( Good luck luck to everyone it's an aweosme idea!

Sorry Ryne, focusing on Freestyle and Greco is not an excuse. Most that are worth their weight in gold will be at either flonationals, folkstyle nationals or virginia beach. These are the best kids in the country and they are not taking time off from folkstyle to focus on freestyle. My point being, show up guys, talk is cheap, show who the top dog is. If you are a parent that doesn't like chief's all class rankings, show up and prove why you should be higher.

Promote earlier, and make it more centrally located. Why does Topeka get all the hype?

Worked out a deal with the arena after NAIA Nationnals
Next year it will be held in a central locations.

Cool. Just think putting in Topeka, puts a burden, on some. Can't make everyone happy, I get that. IMOP, Salina or Wichita, would be centrally located. Might get more at either venue. And start it EARLY, numbers might go up. And use it for Rocky Mountain, instead of all class rankings. Just my thoughts.

After KSHSAA State - high school guys signed up with clubs to practice either folkstyle or begin freestyle/greco. Those clubs had Western Kansas Classic or Wichita Classic on their schedules at the beginning of the club year/season. Some of the high school guys are already getting ready for the Kansas Kids State Series which has a high school division for state at the end of the month. The half a dozen or more of the high school kids that we have been working with have gain a few pounds (more than a few) since state. A couple of the HS coaches I talked to whose teams placed very high said their kids wanted a little time off and did not want to cut weight again this week. The location, week after HS state, timing of being on the same weekend with the Wichita Classic and Western Kansas Classic - both established tournaments in the state have played a role in numbers being disbursed around the state, KC Metro Classic is Tuesday for kids in this area, I am just giving the organizers feedback on what I have heard.

Oh and I did see a few other HS young men at NAIA Nationals and I asked if they were doing the Throwdown. These HS wrestlers had outstanding HS seasons in their respective HS class 6A, 5A, 4A, etc., who are gearing up for Virginia Beach or USA Wrestling Nationals, among these wrestlers I talked to their were State Champions and state placers - FYI - just what I heard from their mouths (the kids) and not the parents. some of them were at the NAIA nationals helping volunteer, some were just there to watch, etc.,

I admire that many of the 14u HS qualifiers are wrestling 14 u rather than HS which has fewer #'s(just observation @ Wichita Classic).
Seriously though if your a SQ in HS why don't you step up your game since HS #'s are shallow due to various reasons.

Seeding meetings where also this sunday.That may have made some difference also.

How about a "SHOW UP" Sunday and give 5 lbs to any state qualifier on the Sunday following the State Tournament. Then instead of a traditional bracket, do a Fargo or Black Mark type of tournament (similar to Fargo but it is point based to eliminate you from competition).

Just an observation... Perhaps there is a better way to publicize the event. A flier at HS State with a list of upcoming postseason events, open rooms, Greco and Freestyle opportunities for instance? You could possibly buy an ad in the state program book even. Also, I think that the USAWKS most likely has a membership list that includes member emails. A mass email a couple weeks before HS State with a couple of follow ups might be helpful. It's basic marketing. Your target audience might need a nudge or a reminder, especially after the excitement and chaos that is HS State Wrestling. There are many people who do not follow the forum for various reasons...

Mass email and packets of information were made and distributed the weekend of HS regionals. The program might be a good idea as well. In no way would we rely on the FORUM as the only means to "get the word out".

Beating a dead horse.

Has KSHSAA ever tried to look at an open state tournament?
Could we as a state consider a state classification team tournament and an individual open?

I am game to watch a tournament that includes any and all who show up to toe the line.

This is just a question or two, but I'm putting on my flak jacket just in case.

KSHSAA 2 Classifications or 1 would solve the problem. If it added a day at the State Tournament it would still be less money going out for KSHSAA - 8 or 16 regionals, 4 sectionals, state (8 or 16 man brackets). Just a thought - Name Team Regional Champions, Team Sectional Champions and State Champions.
Invite the top 2 Teams Placing at each Sectional Championship for an overall 8 Dual State Team Championship 1 week after the Individual Tournament.

There is the option to sign up for the high school division still this week of USA Wrestling Kansas Kids State