Will,

I did not intend to sound like we should turn our back on change if it did not benefit our kids. I for one I'm for change if someone can benefit from it. Not to knock any current coaches but we all know we have some out there doing nothing more than picking up a few extra bucks to coach a team, and has nothing to offer to make any of his wrestlers better - That is where outside training comes in. Outside training is not a disadvantange to others if you send 10 kids to the same training you get 10 different things from it and as a whole you make the entire team better, being able to learn from each other in their own training room. If availble outside training teaches how to properly execute a move thus cutting down on injury's. My problem with the KSHSAA rule on attending a camp/training during the same sport while on a school team is you can hire a 1 on 1 trainer for your kid but as a whole the MAJORITY cannot benefit from a camp? I might be stupid but that kind of saying if you have deep pockets your kid can receive all the extra benefits you want. So where is the best interest that the KSHSAA say's they have in the best interest for athletes as a whole?


The following is the position the KSHSAA has on the importance of activities:

A strong activities program can and should complement a school's academic program. A well-balanced activites program provides the opportunity for physical, social and emotional development complementing intellectual growth. Participation in school activities encompasses all students without regard to sex, race, or creed and teaches that it is a privilege and an honor to represent one's school. Interscholastic activities constitute a part of the right kind of "growing up" experiences for students. Participants learn to accept success and failures, gain poise and confidence, achieve tolerance and understanding of others and gain the self-satisfaction of accomplishing goals. Under a well administered school program, students and spectators become better citizens through participation and observation of activities conducted under established rules.
It is the duty of the member schools, through their Activities Association, to maintain an appropriated balance between the academic and activities program offered.

Any time someone gives their time to teaching our young people thus coaching, or putting on a training camp at no MATTER what time of the year it may fall, or in what sport. The KSHSAA should endorse it with open arms, and support schools, parents, and athletes who want to take part of this in any way. In a way supporting their very own Posistion Statement helping to make these kids better people in all aspects of life. And as far as being able to be active in a event outside the school if not a direct conflict with the school already established schedule they should be proud that these kids represent the state of Kansas outside its boundries, to show the others what Kansas has produced and has to offer, also helping our kids past High School to be noticed more on the National level.

Ronnie Johnson