I live in Northwest Arkansas (by way of Ark City and Newkirk, OK) and we are trying to determine whether or not to host a tournament next season. I am wondering what it would take to get KS wrestlers to come to Arkansas to compete. We can only do so much with the competition, but the state is improving. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Billy Tally

For the SE Kansas kids, it wouldn't be as much of a drive, but it would be asking a lot for me to drive 5 hours (assuming you are in the far NW corner of Arkansas, to a tourney that may or may not have good competition. We can stay in the Wichita area and get our butts kicked

We only have to drive 3 hours to Tulsa for one of the toughest tourneys around. So the Wichita area clubs probably wouldn't drive that far......

So I'd say to hit up the SE KS clubs. It is nice wrestling kids that you don't see every weekend, so I'm assuming SE KS feels the same.

I know Rumble at the Rock (believe that is the name of the tourney in Arkansas) generated some noise in Kansas as a few kids went down there. Hosting a large level tournament would draw from the area. Fort Smith to host a tournament would draw Missouri, OK, KS, etc. kids. Location, awards, and tough wrestling brings them all out. I know we are looking at the Rumble at the Rock next year and send a contingent of kids.

I live in Bentonville which is in the far NW corner of ARK. We are about 1 1/2 hrs form Tulsa and travel there for both the Kick Off and Tulsa Nationals each year. Thanks for the input.


Billy Tally

Yes the Rumble in the Rock had a few kids from Kansas there last year (Paola brought several kids). It is a very long drive, but the y give cool trophies and it is "Pat Smith's Rumble on the Rock" so that always helps. We are looking at doing something large probably in the 2017-2018 wrestling season in our area and I was just trying to see what it would take to bring some Kansas kids down.
I have a ton of respect for the Kansas Youth Program (maybe because that is where I grew up) and how it is ran. I believe that Kansas does it right and has some very tough wrestlers all over the state.

Thanks for your input

Billy Tally

Billy no sweat partner. I believe if you host a tourney like Pat Smith you will bring in some kids. Fayetteville, Fort Smith or even Bentonville all good spots to bring in some kids.

I don't know how feasible it is, but getting hooked up with a national tournament series where the kids earn points for placing at your tournament would bring kids in.

Big awards/ belts seem to get families to travel farther too.

Bring your kids up to our Summer Tournament/Weston's School Opener on July 30th. I am looking for State level kids. That will give more Central Kansas teams a look at ya and maybe coerce them to come down your way.

http://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/registr...agndzrquzmxyeqy