I would think that the USAWKS could. I suggested that on this forum several years ago. In a sense they already do except it only goes to 16 & Under so seniors and some juniors are not eligible for it. I think the USAWKS could do a Grand State High School tournament that would be a week or two after high school state that would include seniors so it would be open to all high school wrestlers from freshmen thru seniors. There would be no need for subs or districts with it. Without subs and districts and holding it closer to the end of the high school season, I think you would get more high schoolers participating in it than they do with the current USAWKS 14&U and 16&U classes. It could be and probably should be separate from the grade school tournament. That would allow the grade school tournament to consider adding 6 & under and possibly consider ending the season a little earlier as many have advocated. I think this is the closest thing that could be done for a Grand State in Kansas, because I just don't think it would be workable for all sports in Kansas and that evidently is a requirement for our state athletic association.

... and any tournament held outside the KSHSAA season may not be well attended by the athletes.

USAWKS or KWCA could do it but I feel we need to find a way to work within the KSHSAA guidelines and the seasons so ALL would participate. And we eliminate all problems associated with coaching outside the season.

Randy,

I agree with you that any tournament held outside the KSHSAA season would not be as well attended as one during the KSHSAA season. There is no doubt that the best way for a Grand State All Class State Tournament would be within the KSHSAA guidelines that would allow for the high school coaches to be a part of it. I hope it happens that way someday again. The major obstacle that I see is this requirement that it has to be the same way for all sports. If they can get pass that maybe it could happen. It would be a wonderful thing for high school wrestling in Kansas and I do agree with you that it could solve a lot of what has been discussed on this topic.

I also wanted to rebut a little something Will said in an earlier post. I disagree with him that all parents want the class tournaments brought together in one arena. That may be true for the majority but not all parents. Some parents prefer shorter and less crowded tournaments. Personally I enjoyed having the 5A tournament separate from 6A this year. I know I am probably in the minority in this opinion. My son liked it better the year before in Wichita with 5A and 6A together. I enjoy a smaller tournament with room to move around better. For me a smaller tournament moves faster and is easier to follow. I definitely would not like a three day tournament as an alternative to our two day tournament.

Vince

I think you are in the majoity! Most Hard core or passionate fan
would like to see all the class's togther! I would not!

So why do we have to have a grand State? How about this let's all wrestle in Hays. The first weekend 1,2,3A can go. The following Weekend 4,5,6A can go. I think they could possiblly fit 6 mats in Gross. Just change the set up a little. Of course the problem with this is that the East might not want to drive that far. I think it would be a great place to showcase wrestling plus it could all be televised by Smokey Hills Public TV. 4,5,6 Regionals would be held the weekend of the 1,2,3A State tourney. Plus we would be supporting a 4 year university and the community of Hays for being positive about wrestling. I know this is a little radical in some peoples eyes but I would like to see some money moved that direction. Hays has been there for Kansas Wrestling for a long time. They have a good facility etc. Just thoughts.

I've heard worse ideas....everyone keeps talking about making the 321As move to wherever. Why? They have a good thing going in Hays and maybe the rest of the State can learn from them, and support FHSU wrestling at the same time.