My son took 4th at state this year losing to Metzler badly both times. Look up his name if you are so inclinded. My brother and I have had state placers in all of our sons. They all started at 7th grade. One wrestles for Labette county in college now. Is it an advantage? Definately it is, but it can be over come. Not to many do. But the other side is the kids coach that was a state kids champ a 6-11 and no longer wrestles. For my son he wrestles for himself first and plays baseball for the team. Both have their advantages. Just so you know Bronco Wrestler, my brother and I were bronco basketball players and I played on the 79 chanpionship team