I thought the 5A/6A tournament at the Kansas Coliseum ran pretty smoothly, but I'd hasten to add that last years 6A tournament at Koch Arena (i.e. Wichita State University) was far superior, in virtually every category.

This is not said to slight all of those who generously gave of their time and talents to the 6A tournament this year. It's just that the physical facility of Koch Arena was substantially better (i.e. seating, lighting, sound,cleanliness, concessions, you name it. I can't honestly single out a single superior attribute of the Kansas Coliseum over Koch Arena, for these purposes.

I hope that those in control give some serious consideration to either Koch arena, or the newly constructed InTrust Bank arena, when scheduling future state wrestling tournaments.

And, alas, I'll weigh-in again, with the tired refrain that we smarten-up and allow all classes to compete at the same venue. Let's try it, we all just might like it!

They should extend the lower section of seating (the brown seats) for the finals. It would bring the fans closer and create more atmosphere plus, i think there would still be enough room for the ceremonies.

KSHSAA is currently looking into moving the state tournament from the Kansas Coliseum to the new Intrust Arena in downtown Wichita. It could happen as early as next year, or perhaps in 2011. It is going to be a super nice facility and I am pretty sure the other classes will be jealous that they aren't there. It seats more people than the Coliseum, and will have all the nice new hi tech features.

Nicely said Svo69, I agree with you. I did enjoy having 5A & 6A in the same arena. It would be an awesome experience to have all classes at the same venue!

All I can say is that when I wrestled I loved the fact that 4A 5A and 6A was at the same place. Just made it seem more special to qualify for some reason. And not to mention you get to see more great wrestlers from other classes and schools at the state level. Now that im coaching I still feel the same way. Where ever they have it I hope that it will continue to be more than on class. What are some of the other options of where to have it? K-State or KU maybe? Just a thought...

These two facilities do not have adequate floor space to accomodate eight (8) mat surfaces. In order to have multiple classification in the same facility the only option in Kansas is the Wichita area.

I liked the 5A meet in Hutchinson last year. I guess I am one of the few that prefer not combining the state class tournaments into one location every year.

I also like the idea of switching venues not to favor one area over the other. It seems to me that it is a pretty big advantage for the local area schools to have it every year in their city. I think it is an advantage to be able to sleep in your own bed versus sharing motel rooms and beds with several of your teammates. It is also definitely a cost advantage for the families of the wrestlers who live in a city that the tournament is always held at. It is probably a big cost advantage to the schools of the city that the tournament is always held at unless they do some revenue sharing with the traveling schools that I am unaware of.

I realize though that if you are going to go the route of trying to combine all classes into one location that there is a limited amount of facilities that could handle that type of situation. I know that is how Missouri and Iowa accomplish that by always having it at the same location.

Any word yet on whether the newly constructed Intrust Arena in Wichita, will have sufficient floor space to accomodate a State Wrestling Tournament?

To the best of anyone's knowledge, are the Kansas High School wrestling powers that be, even contemplating using this new arena in the next few years for a State Wrestling Tournament?

Here.... read this article.

6A,5A wrestling could be headed downtown

I read it. Thank's alot.

I’m gonna get on my soap box and say that KSHSAA needs to look at having state at Kansas Speedway. It is a big enough venue because it seats over 100,000 people. You could run10 mats for each classification and have ‘em all lined up on the front stretch. This would be awesome because it would be the first ever high school state wrestling championship tournament hosted outdoors. Can you imagine all of the press we’d receive for this? Plus the Speedway’s only a short drive from the Great Wolf Lodge, Cabela’s, and the always delicious Cheese Burger in Paradise.

“Tried to amend my carnivorous habits.
Made it nearly seventy days,
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds,
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays.

But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat.
Not zucchini, fettucini, or bulgar wheat,
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat.

Cheeseburger is paradise.
Heaven on earth with an onion slice.
Not too particular, not too precise.
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato,
Heinz Fifty-seven and French fried potatoes.
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer.
Well, good God Almighty, which way do I steer
For my cheeseburger in paradise.”

Some more information on this issue....

http://www.kansas.com/690/story/722024.h...ments_Container

As a former state champion from another state (Nebraska), I still find it more than a little rediculous that the state championships are held in multiple locations. Not to waste much time on this subject but as far as I know, all of the surrounding states hold the event in ONE location. Wow, what a unique idea. I for one would love to see such a change. However, I will not hold my proverbial breath. You guys are good about letting people vent so I thank you for that.