".. .they only used 9 when 4A was at the coliseum." But didn't they go to four mats per class when 4A moved to Salina? Many coaches I have talked to would not really want to to back to three mats--though I personally believe we get done too early on Friday nights using four mats. I am, however, in a distinct minority on this one.

"If you’re talking about mat space we used to hold a kids tournament with 12 mats. With all kinds of fan accommodation. Sure it’s a barn but the place used to rock during the hay days of KSU basket ball. I would assume that you remember that far back?"
Oh yes, I remember seeing Nick Pino play! But, with that many mats on the floor you had no floor seating, did you? That is the problem with seating at Ahearn; It is big enough to hold 8 mats, but then you give up the floor seating.

"I do know that Topeka was an option for all groups to be reunited if they were willing to move up a week or back a week in KSHSAA scheduling needs. For some reason this was not an option to the board. Everyone has an off week so why not make it two?"
Not all schools have the same off week. To align off weeks would take a couple of years of schedule changes as contracts would run their course and tournaments moved to different dates, etc.

"I know the kids could use a break to heal up and get their school work caught up."
Wow, some kids have a real problem holding their weight at the end of the season as it is. Also, If you go a week later with the KSHSAA tournament you run smack dab into KSHSAA BB sub-states. I know this is a wrestling site and BB does not matter, but it does matter to those of us who have to administer the events, provide buses and drivers, supervision, etc. etc. It would be a NIGHTMARE to be doing both at once.

"I’m just struggling with the fact that this has been talked about for over two years and Olathe Northwest was the best solution! I don’t believe that all options were evaluated fairly and without forward thinking!"
I don't know Mark; I truly believe that Mr. Bowden would have jumped at a better option and I am pretty sure he was not sitting on his hands the entire time.
I spoke with him about this a couple of times in the past year and it was obvious he was really stressed about it.

"I know there is not a gym big enough to hold 321A out west… I just wanted your opinion whether you would consider this (High School Gym) a viable option if the Hays location was unavailable?"
If there were no other options, what would the better option be?