As a 5A coach I am very disappointed to be moving to a high school arena next year for state. I do think that our wrestlers who have worked so hard deserve more recognition than simply wrestling in another high school gym. However, I do not think the achivevement of a wrestler winning a state championship or a state medal will be diminished. Unfortunately what we have in Kansas is a lack of options. We don't have one available facility in the state that could hold Kansas's tournaments together in the present two day format. I understand some of the arguements against a 3 day meet, however I do think it is time to look more closely at that option to bring the meet to a better venue.

When I spoke to Mr. Bowden at Wichita this year, he was definitely not pleased with his present options. I know he is very greatful for the communities that stepped up to take on the 5A and 6A tournaments, but he too wanted a larger venue. The problem is that our facilities in Kansas are not adequate. I asked him specifically about Ahearn and he said they had inquired and been turned down by KSU. This was due to parking issues as well as the fact that Ahern is used for indoor practice for many of the K-State spring sports. K-State's postion is that it would not be fair for the college to kick out their own athletes to accomodate high school athletes (can anyone argue with that). The problem with Bramlage was floor space as well as that is where the K-State basketball teams practice, and they would not be willing to give up their practice times that late into their season.

I have several questions for those who are obviously upset about this situation:

1. What are the better, VIABLE options for a venue that weekend that could have 8-12 mats down with adequate seating?

The coliseum booked a boat show, Topeka has the Shriners, K-State said no, I would be shocked to death if KU were willing to give up Allen field house for a weekend (or even if it could hold the mats). I have no idea of the floor space at WSU's arena. I do know that Rick was looking under every rock to find the best possible solution for our wrestlers.

2. How many of you complaining actually attended one of the state tournaments last year?

This question was posed by another poster, but I think it deserves closer attention. The real problem with Wichita was a dollar and cents problem for the KSHSAA. I personally was never a fan of the coliseum (trash overflowing from garbage bins, toilets overflowing, security guards walking around waking wrestlers up trying to sleep between matches- and this was all on the lower level where only the competitors were!). But the KSHSAA problem was that not enough people showed up to watch for the amount they had to shell out to rent the coliseum. I think it is crazy for a grade schooler to wrestle that weekend at a kids tournament instead of going to watch High School state. Those kids should be at the state tourney watching, learning, and dreaming about the time they would be winning their state championships wrestling for their high school team. I personally remember going to Hays and being in awe at the atmosphere, the crowds, and of course the wrestlers from my home town that I idolized. If more people came to watch, I bet we would still be in the coliseum.

Fortunately this is not a permanent solution. Mr. Bowden indicated there were several options that may open up in the future. He said facilities in Park City and Junction City were scheduled to begin construction, and that the KSHSAA would continue to active be search for larger locations in the future.

I would say for the time being we have to swallow this bitter pill, but if our fan support dies down and no one shows up to watch our wrestlers compete at the biggest tournament of the year (regardless of location) then we will probably be stuck there. If we get large crowds and the KSHSAA can go to larger venues and show that large #'s of people will attend these events, than that will make their bargaining power greater- and will be what is best for our wrestlers.