As a first timer to a KS State Championship, I wasn't sure what I would find.

What I found...

- KS 4A is tough. Saw some kids with very good records not make it to the consolation qtrs! Arguably the toughest intra-state bracket I have seen my son negotiate...qtrs, semis, and finals were tough. Not one pushover!

- Only saw a couple ugly incidents in the heat of battle. Extremely classy coaches and wrestlers across the board. I was VERY impressed with all of the outstanding sportmanship...win or lose.

- Officiating was consistent. At the start of the tournament I was very critical of the zebras but by the end of day one, I knew what to expect from them as the mechanics/reasoning were the same from match to match. I will say they were very annoying with all of the warnings from the referees position but I chalked that up to a point of emphasis. Just blow the whistle and get out of the way!! The sooner they get rid of the pause before the whistle is blown the better it will be for all involved! One other thing...it seems KS has an injury time strategy which involves feigning an injury to catch your breath and regroup. Please get that under control.

- I will say it is a shame all classes can't be in one building. Coming from MO state last week, the "experience" of state doesn't seem quite as impressive with only one class attending.

- Loved the way the semis were conducted with only two mats at a time.