Who suggested removing the 16yr olds, and who said anything about 6's cutting weight? Anyone wanting to elimanate any age group is hurting the sport. If a kid wants to participate at 6 or 16 they deserve the opportunity. Not all little guys are ready to compete but you better believe some are. My older son wasn't ready when he was 6. I know this because when we asked him if he wanted to try subs he said no. He didnt try subs until he was in his 2nd year of 8& under. We didn't even ask our 6yr old if he wanted to try subs last year. This year older teamates suggested he try and he did and was able to make state. Every kid is different and their level of desire develops at differnt rates. Our 6yr old is more agressive in his desire for learning at school than his 12 year old brother. Several people feel these young wrestlers are being pushed into trying state. I'm sure some are, but I think most parents are more responsible than that. Most coaches wouldn't suggest putting in a kid who wasn't ready. As a coach I would make an honest assessment of a child's abillity to compete and hope the parent was responsive to my suggestion. I don't believe parents put in the time and money that we do with bad intetions for their kids. Do some parents push to hard? Sure, there are some but I think most want what's best for their children. I hope sometime in the future all who are ready to compete will be able to on a level playing field until then this will always be debated. Good luck to all at state.
Jon Murray
Parsons Wrestling Club