I agree Mike. Stepping up on the regional/national level is a step up in cost. When I first joined the staff, we were traveling to Dallas, TX. It was a miniature vacation for many families as they stayed in Dallas for a couple of days after the tourney. In the second year, we took two busses.

Of course there would be many more at the past two years because it was in our back yard. Eastern Kansas is a fickle group. The didn't mind driving to Chanute because they could finish the trip within six hours, there and back. Will they make the journey now?

Having coached a team in the eastern part of the state, I had an opportunity to take the club to the round robin tourney held in (I forgot the name, the school's mascot is a Rocket). Maximum number of matches, it was a great opportunity to get mat time. I took three kids. The parents just didn't want to wake up at 5:00 am. Eastern Kansas, for the most part, wants their kids to get better as long as they don't have to drive too far.

Western Kansans might be more apt to give it a go. The camp isn't too far in relation to Chanute. They are practicing at a "wrestling school." The tourney isn't too far of a drive.

A side note - I'm concerned about our push for "national dominance" and it's impact on finances of families. Are we really producing a true national elite, or just the one's that can afford it. I'd like to see more done by the board to help defray these costs, Lord knows we have the money in the budget to do it.