Originally posted by gutwrench1:
Mr Salyer, none of the great KS wrestlers you mention doing well in college are from the 60 KS State Champions of 2004. I'm not debating that great individuals rise to the top regardless of how little the system helps them accomplish their goals.
I stand corrected! In my haste to answer your question, I failed to recognize the qualifying statement regarding the class of 2004. The only participant at the NCAA Division I Championships from this class was Jake Kriegbaum from Abilene High School and a true freshman qualifier from Air Force Academy.
Originally posted by gutwrench1:
Among the 17 states with less population than Kansas are there any with as many classes as 4?
Inasmuch as there is no benefit to be derived from researching other states classification system, I will not do the research to answer this question.
Originally posted by gutwrench1:
So could we say that relatively speaking their are a states with less meaningful state wrestling tournaments?
What qualifies you to determine that one states championship wrestling tournament is less meaningful than another? Is an IL, OH or PA state championship tournament more meaningful than a CA state championship tourmanent?
Originally posted by gutwrench1:
Folks, who wouldn't want to go see a Kansas state tournament if all the best kids went against one another?
I do not believe you will find any individual who is involved with wrestling in this state who will disagree with this statement.
Originally posted by gutwrench1:
Rather, you're talking about how tough STA and Emporia are making 5A. That's weak.
The addition of Emporia and STA to the 5A classification strengthens the quality of this class while weakening the quality in 6A.
The only weak comment(s) on this thread are your statements which were off topic. As stated earlier, you are the individual to bring up CA and NY, the other posters were commenting on the 5A classification, flawed it may be, which they compete in.
Originally posted by gutwrench1:
This is not meant to take anything away from the goal and value of working hard this season to place and win state. But, remember to be thankful that you live in Kansas where achieving that goal is a real possibility for just about anyone.
To the contrary, the statement, intended or not, was denigrating the athletes. As in life, there are certain issues which are beyond ones control, and these athletes, while dealing with an imperfect system, will be endeavoring to reach an elusive goal.
