1) the Raney’s are an exception and comparing anyone in the state to what they’ve accomplished thus far is unintentionally downgrading the rest of the kids who aren’t national contenders.
2) The rules are the rules. If you have an issue with it, then present your case to policy makers. Some schools don’t care about academic eligibility (previous school I was associated with is a prime example). Then, there are others who have draconian policies in order for kids to just be able to practice. I know of a school who’s like that and people petitioned the SBDM council to change policy - which is the appropriate response, and it worked.
3) Calling someone’s team irrelevant may be intended to bash a coach, but I think it’s wise to at least be aware of the collateral damage done to those who are actually competing. This is an open forum, where kids can see what’s being said as well.
4) There are late bloomers in this state who, at the age of 16, are looking for their first pit hair under the best lighting they can find. Maturity/physique and age aren’t always the same. There are some 9 year olds who possess more muscle per body weight than some 8th graders. Most 8th graders (and even 7th graders) who are more mature are wrestling high school and not wasting time with a lack of competition in middle school (e.g. Matney from JC)
5) Wrestling is the only sport that goes based on age and weight. Whining about one kid being a year older than another doesn’t exactly help you arrive at the goal you’re trying to achieve.
Then again, I’m probably just an ignorant fan. :-)