"They may only participate for a few weeks", but they have participated for months each year, many of them from the time they were the age of your 6 & under. It may seem like the 6 & unders are being shut out, but as intense a sport as wrestling is, the 10 years they are eligible to compete at State is plenty, they're not being ripped off by missing out at 6 & under.

For those few that are ready, they can give it a go at 8 & under, just like those few freshman that can hang on varsity wrestling against seniors. The rest pay their dues and hope to get their glory in due time. I know our high school team has excellent, hard-working wrestlers on the freshman and jv teams. They are no less valuable than our varsity wrestlers, but the kids' parallel to this is that for many reasons, including pressure, mat space, time factor and past votes, the 6 & unders do not participate in state.

Many people have been on the forum complimenting Ottawa on their 6 & under State Championships. This is great! I heard they even had a parade this year. It's a one-day tournament, which is much better suited for 4, 5 and 6 year olds. They have 10 years at the big show, let them build up a little anticipation for it.