Carlos, that's a great question, and I think it's been answered with thoughtful insight. I also remember very well one of our conversations four or five years ago, when you stated that your son was talking to you on the way to a kids tournament, and mentioned that he didn't really feel like wrestling that day. I remember that you said that you just turned around, went home, and did something fun with him that day. You also questioned yourself, wondering if you had done the right thing. Personally, I thought the answer was obvious, and since he is now one of the premier young wrestlers in Kansas, with an obvious inner desire to excel, you took the right attitude to keep him from getting "burned out". I admire that.

I certainly appreciate greatly the work and time of those dedicated to the kids programs. With their dedication, the best kids programs become the best high school teams. Of that there is no doubt. Understandably, they want the high school wrestlers to continue with THEIR teams. Usually, those coaches have been seeing the same faces for a while and are excited for the older kids to get it on, whereas the high school kid (and coaches) may be needing a break. I can certainly sit on the fence on this issue as well as anyone!

Let's also not overlook the expense for parents, who may have been following their son for two and a half months with many weekends in motels. It wouldn't surprise me for some parents to discourage their kids, telling them they can take a break not wanting to admit that much of their thoughts are financial. I also know that many parents gladly use all of their vacation time and money on wrestling, knowing that those days will end soon enough and appreciating it enough to make those sacrifices.

I don't think that there is simply one good answer.

Rick Cue
Ulysses