As expected this post has brought several different perspectives and not only is that fine but I think it’s healthy. In response to a few of the comments/questions made here are my thoughts.

RE: Hardyhar – Can you explain yourself??? I am not sure what you are looking for with your question but will offer these thoughts in hopes it clarifies my position. As I stated previously I think this could be a great tourney, something Kansas could be proud of. I have never questioned the competition at this event or the how it is ran. My question is, wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to subject our kids to health issues or injury in order for our wrestlers to test their ability? Is it wrong to constructively ask why are we doing what we are doing and want something better for our kids?

RE: Disney - Why do you do it? First of all, my initial question “Please help me understand why we continue to put our kids at risk? was directed more at the WGSC than anyone. I have made the decision not to participate in this tourney but it still doesn’t change my belief that it could be a great tourney and am willing to challenge the status quo especially when kid’s health is an issue. The replies “don’t like it, don’t go, it is that simple” do nothing to make this sport or tournaments better. If that’s the majority attitude God help this sport.

As far as the health issues in question you can agree or disagree but here are a few things to ponder and possible solutions to calm everyone’s concerns.
Can you catch ringworm or any other skin disease wrestling at any other tourney, absolutely! However, I know of no other venue we wrestle in in the state that holds a horse show the week before we wrestle. I know of no other venue described as:
90,000 sq. ft. of livestock housing area (200’ x 450’)

Special Features
• Portable seating for 2,500
• Seven (7) wash racks
• Convenient water and electrical outlets
• Fourteen (14) large entrance doors (largest 24’ x 16’)Complete paging system
• Fluorescent lighting
• Cattle ties
• Up to 420 horse stalls (10’ x 10’)Up to 216 swine and sheep stalls (5’ x 10’)Up to 384 swine and sheep stalls (5’ x 6’)Truck and Trailer Parking
(Provided by the Kansas Coliseum website)

Bottom line, there are situations when the probability of contracting something are higher than other times. IMO this is definitely one of them! VanFam7 – I totally disagree with you.

If the WGSC feels comfortable with the cleanliness of this facility then why not ask the Wichita Health Department to come in, do an inspection and post their results? This could help calm everyone’s concerns. To my knowledge, correct me if I am wrong, this has never happened.
Again, I am not bashing the workers, volunteers or even the WGSC. I am however questioning that if we are putting kids at risk WHY? And, why not make it the best tourney it can be? If you had an option either to wrestle in a horse barn or, figuratively speaking, across the street in a clean and accommodating venue what would you choose? If the latter, then why not encourage a change?

Wow, way too long of a post, I apologize.