Tiger,

Those that are opposed to the current system DO CARE how the top wrestling states in the country are excelling. When Tony Purler, John Smith or Cael Sanderson have advice to give, we take notes. Even though you DON'T CARE what they think on this issue, are you at least curious why the top wrestling states in the country have decided to separate Kids wrestling from High School wrestling? During the discussion, do you think there were those like yourself that spoke up with their "are you afraid" story? Evidently they looked past the rhetoric and considered how they could improve the skills of the kids in their state.

Your point about letting the kids decide is a novel idea. We should try it sometime. Are the kids allowed to vote on this? They compete because it's the only format that is offered.

Of all of those kids that you say DON'T like to wrestle Freestyle, how many have ever tried it? Many of the kids that I've coached had the same opinion and now call it their favorite style. It is undeniable that our national teams suffer by getting a late start on FS and GR. It is also undeniable that a HS wrestler is better off stepping up in competition after HS state, than wrestling 7th and 8th graders for an extra month.

To address your serious doubt, I'm in for $1000.

Eric Johnson