In 6A and 5A, theoretically half the kids that wrestle varsity make it to state. In actuality, with so many open spots, the percentage of kids that make state is above 50%. Then you combine that with the glaring disparity in the quality of regionals, you are going to get some very weak wrestlers that qualify. The free passes even compound the problem. My point is, by sending so many average wrestlers to state, you are diminishing the accomplishments, hard work and glory of the outstanding wrestlers. When compared to some other states in wrestling, the Kanas State qualifier is perceived to lack credibility.
Here's a question to the community and coaches: What would motivate and make a kid work harder? To have a goal to qualify under the current (easy) system of regionals or to participate in a qualiication tournament where you had to beat 4 or 5 kids to qualify for state, which also promotes respect for the kid.
My two cents is that if you put that state qualifier patch on your letter jacket, it should mean more than just weighing in.
Good post, I appreciate what you are saying.
But again, if the losing record thing is such a problem, everyone should get on the association and not the forum. Its the regional alignment that is the problem. My son had two good kids in his bracket with good winning records. I beleive that they would have placed in one of the other regionals. So, if the regionals were aligned, which I realize is not that easy after all they are "region"als, you would think that you would have fewer losing records. The losing record thing is just way past annoying to me.
