I do not have knowledge of the 4-1A classifications on the girls side. I also know that facilities are an issue that plays into this discussion. However, this is a copy of a proposal that I submitted through the KWCA. Currently it is significantly less likely to earn a state qualification or medal on the girls side in 5/6A.
Proposal: KSHSAA should separate the 5A and 6A classes for the Girls State Championship Series.
Logic: The number of female participants has increased and now justifies the separation of these two classes into their own Championship Series. The number of female participants is expected to increase in future years. Male participants from the 5A and 6A regional rosters currently have a 14% higher rate of qualifying for the State Championships. Male participants have a 5% higher rate of earning a State Medal. The separation of these classes will cause logistical issues, however, these athletes deserve recognition for their work. The pride associated with representing the schools and communities at the state level for these female athletes outweighs associated logistical issues.
Current Data:
Total 5A Regional Wrestlers Boys 412
Total 6A Regional Wrestlers Boys 430
Total Number of 5A and 6A Male Regional Participants 842
Total State Qualifiers Boys 448
Total State Medals Boys 168
Percentage of State Qualifiers Total 5A and 6A Boys 53%
Percentage of State Medals Total 5A and 6A Boys 20%
Total 5/6A Regional Wrestlers Girls 572
Total State Qualifiers Girls 224
Total State Medals Girls 84
Percentage of State Qualifiers 5/6A Girls 39%
Percentage of State Medals 5/6A Girls 15%
The regional wrestling numbers were taken from Trackwrestling KSHSAA Regional sites.
I all for splitting girls divisions. But, the argument I hear is they shouldn't match the boys because of numbers. Just in your post you said total of 842 boys 5/6A wrestlers and a total of 572 girls 5/6a wrestlers. Those numbers aren't close. To be exact that is only 61% of the total boys wrestlers. To closely match what we have in boys divisions. Why not split girls into 3 divisions instead of 4? Seems like a logical in-between approach that maybe everyone can get on board with.
