dscicle

Girls' wrestling WILL be here before too much longer. Tennessee has already adopted it as has California, Texas, Hawaii, and I've been hearing some other states are considering experimenting with it. Personally, I think it is something worth pushing for here in Kentucky.

I hesitate to comment, but Carrir said it pretty well. We were ALWAYS given the choice when I was wrestling from youth all the way up (coach never said "no" or "yes") and I will tell you, only twice do I remember ANY of our guys wrestling a female (realize I was involved with a small, county school program for nearly 20 years). It's nothing personal, believe me. I personally never did because it violated my conscience, my brother ONLY ever wrestled a female once and that was only because he drew her first round of regional tournament his junior year of high school and was ranked #2 in the state at the time. If I ever coach, I plan to have the same policy...it will be up to the wrestler.

Having seen Region 2 in its entirety this season, I have to believe that LaRue, Meade, and North are the three favorites with John playing spoiler potentially. Keep in mind LaRue hasn't put together a truly full line-up this season yet, so no one has truly seen them at full strength. North has some individuals that can carry them far and Meade is solid top to bottom. The question is going to be which team's second tier wrestlers will carry them through??

Here is the schedule of events for the next several weeks folks: Regions this weekend State Duels (both HS and MS) next weekend. MS State Feb 6 High School Regionals Feb 12-13 High School State Feb. 19-20 The best solution from what I'm seeing is to move Regionals next weekend and just not wrestle state duels. Middle School State and High School state have contracts with their venues, so unless there's a major weather front that comes in and forces them to be pushed back, those MUST be wrestled on those dates. I realize it sucks for those teams who earned teh right to wrestle in State Duels and for those middle school kids who wrestle varsity, but unless someone has a better solution, realizing that MANY school districts DO NOT allow teams to travel or compete on Sundays unless the circumstances are dire, we may be up a creek with scheduling and solutions. From what I'm seeing, the schedule of the next few weekends may need to simply be this: Middle School Regionals and High School State Duels next weekend (January 30) Middle School State Feb. 6 in Louisville High School Regionals Feb. 12-13 (8 locations) High School State Feb 19-20 (Lexington)

The good news is this IS NOT State Duels weekend for once!! The bad news is that teams won't have the extra matches under their belts.

So will none of the Region 4 teams be attending State Duels now??

Yes, this is written towards the football audience, but it has bearing for wrestling too. With the season starting here within the next 2-3 weeks I thought it would be good for everyone to take a minute to read this article. This goes double for most of the officials in Kentucky I know with wrestling. http://www.dailybulletin.com/sports/20150925/much-of-what-football-officials-accomplish-is-unseen-by-general-public?source=most_viewed

Just looked up this gem because I knew at one time Gary Canter was highly paid at LaRue...LaRue County pays $10,000 to head Football, Basketball, and Wrestling coach at LCHS. $7,500 to JV coaches in all those sports. Be interesting to know what Union, Woodford, Campbell, and a few of the other top public schools pay. The bottom line in this issue is that we as a wrestling community need to be stepping up farther than we already are. Yes, the ideal situation is to be head coach at one of the "Big Dawgs." However, it seems to me no one wants to work their way up anymore. I know of several young coaches who could make an impact at a few of these schools who are still looking for a coach, yet I'm not sure they're willing to do that because "it's not a big name school." You don't get into coaching for the money. You get into it for the love of the sport. And Falcon...NH isn't having trouble...the administration DOESN'T WANT THE PROGRAM TO CONTINUE! I have that from someone involved with the school.

While I have no clue about some of the others, I know Barren County's situation. They have a coach (Luke Pniewski for those old guys who remember him from his days at Hoptown as a wrestler), but have been told until other teams in their area pick up the sport (Warren County teams, BGHS, Edmonson, Glasgow, etc...) they WILL NOT revive their team. North Bullitt and Pikeville both have coaches listed as of 3:00 eastern time today on the KHSAA website. My $0.02 on the situation: the US as a whole is dropping in quality. BEFORE ANYONE STARTS BASHING ME AND CALLING ME EVERY NAME IN THE BOOK, realize this is NOT just my views. I've talked with 2-3 college coaches in the past few weeks and they all say the exact same thing. One coach went as far as to predict that wrestling as a whole will be gone as a sport within the next 10 years. The cause? The sport is evolving and many coaches don't want to keep up with the changes. Being a coach today takes TONS of time and a desire to succeed. Gone are the days when as a coach, you walk in and simply run practice and ensure transportation to and from events. The top coaches in the nation, much less Kentucky, are the ones who spend 300+ days per year devoted to improving their programs, and find ways to travel to wrestle only the best. Challenging yourself makes you better. period. What will it take for wrestling to excel again?? We need one major thing: coaches who are willing to keep up with the changes and put in the time to make their programs better FROM THE BOTTOM UP (youth, middle school, high school. youth could simply be running a summer camp or two btw). Right now, I'd say those teams who don't have coaches will take ANYONE to just keep their program afloat though.

While this is not "official" per say, there are major rumors going around that North Hardin High School is dropping their wrestling program. Yes, that's right...North Hardin, KHSAA State Tournament winners in 1968, 1969, 1978, and 1981 is dropping their wrestling program. Many know the Trojans were looking for a coach during the off-season, but apparently the school and school board were not looking very hard. While North's success has been few and far between recently as a team, no one can deny they have produced NUMEROUS strong individuals as well as putting on a very competitive individual High School tournament over the past few years, even adding a strong middle school AND youth tournament the past few seasons. If this rumor is true, and it's looking more and more that it is each day that passes, the wrestling community will be losing a great program this season.

Ok...while I think this is a good idea, albeit one that will prevent overall champs from wrestling one another, I see one MAJOR issue here: what happens if Montgomery qualifies for State Duels?! They are a big school. Wouldn't it make much more sense for a Big school to host Big and Small School to host small?!

Denied the bid for 14-18. According to the committee, most cities who apply are denied the first time. Louisville was encouraged to apply again for the next cycle. Here's where NCAA D1's are for the next few years: 15: St. Louis 16: New York (MSG) 17: St. Louis 18: Cleveland

Let me point something out: in 1996 or 1997 (if I remember right), there was a MASSIVE ice storm that hit what was then Region 1 (present regions 1 and 2 combined)...and the KHSAA told the teams "if you can make it, wrestle because we can't reschedule state"...EVERY ONE OF THOSE TEAMS found a way to get there, and even though the tournament took close to 18 hours to run (8 man brackets but teh power kept going out), they got it in. While based on the pictures on twitter I've seen it may be better for those teams who have a pre-dominantly rural populationt to reschedule, I don't see it happening. I have a buddy who is one of the top refs in this state (not saying much I realize to many of you, but I also know many coaches ask for him when he's at their tournaments), and he has scraped his driveway and moved his car to an area where he can get out easier so he can get to Lexington. I know many of the refs who officiate will not be able to get off work next weekend if we reschedule. And there are only a HANDFUL of gyms that I can think of that could even hold 5 much less 6 mats. While many here won't be happy with my next statement, it's what will more than likely happen, and honestly what needs to happen: WRESTLE. It sucks for kids who can't be there because of teh weather, but when is life ever fair?!

considering I've seen most if not all the top teams this season in my copious travels... Region 1: Union Co (is there anyone who can even stay within 100pts of them?!) Region 2: Meade is the clear cut favorite simply because they field a FULL 14 weights which is more than any other team in this region can say. But, and I never thought I'd say these words, LaRue is a better tournament team this season so they have an extremely outside shot. Don't count out North Hardin either. Region 3: Fern Creek Region 4: Dogfight between St. X and Trinity (Lou.) with Male having an outside shot Region 5: Oldham Co is the favorite to me with Woodford having a shot with a few upsets Region 6: Campbell Co Region 7: Call me crazy but I like Wayne Co here. Lafayette and Henry Clay will push them but after a disappointing showing at State Duels I think the young Cardinals will be looking for redemption. Region 8: I haven't seen many of these teams, but from what I've heard, this could be a region that isn't decided until the finals. Johnson Central, Montgomery and Harrison all have to be the favorites here. State Tournament will start this weekend folks!!! How many wrestlers finish in their region will determine where they have a chance to finish at State Tournament. Draws and how you finish will play a HUGE HUGE roll in how many wrestlers (and also teams) will finish in Lexington on the 20th and 21st this season.

Interesting bit of info folks...Small School has pools released on trackwrestling but Big School doesn't...

Small school going through an EXTREMELY rough time as there are ABSOLUTELY no athletes old enough to compete. Canter and Paden were always able to find athletes to work with when they were there, but for the next many years LaRue will be average. The one or two athletes who are in the school presently are either female, or play basketball. The freshmen, 8th grade, and 6th grade classes at LC right now have potential, but unless the coaches can get those athletes out and prepare them...it's not going to be anything spectacular for the Hawks. I was rather impressed with Apollo this past weekend at North Hardin. The coaches basically put up a tent in the corner for the finals from 106-132...or so it seemed. They have some TOUGH lower weights. Harrison County has some tough upper weights from what I saw too. Can't sleep on Newport either. They may not have stellar number but the kids they do have are tough and gritty. Aside from St. X and Union who are seemingly tough top to bottom with a few holes, most teams I've seen this season have some tough spot in their line-ups. This might be the most balanced I've seen this state in a while as far as individual kids goes. There are a few favorites to medal this season, but only a hand-full are what I would call "locks" for a medal. State Tournament could be interesting this season folks!!

This Friday afternoon/evening 1/9 St. Catherine College will host their first ever home collegiate wrestling match. The "grappling Patriots" will host Life U. and Williams-Baptist in a tri-meet in Lourdes Hall on the college campus in Springfield, KY. Williams-Baptist will square off with #11 Life at 3pm to start the night, after which St. Catherine will wrestling Williams-Baptist around 430 and Life around 6. The times are early so both teams can get on the road home before it gets very late (Life is from Marietta, Georgia and WBC is from Arkansas). If you get a chance and can make it out, be sure to head to Springfield to support Kentucky's newest college program lead by Head Coach Spencer Adams (formers HC at Taylor Co HS) and Associate Head Coach Gary Canter (legendary former HC at LaRue Co).

Firstly...this has been a phase in for 2 years now...no sympathy from me as it was published in MULTIPLE place last season through the KHSAA and NFHS that it was coming this season. Secondly...it is possible to find them. Just have to dig. From what I understand, the state rules interpreter has ok'd the ones that loop through the headgear...so take the existing one, cut a hold for teh chin straps to loop in and you're set. I've seen kids already doing that this season and it's been approved. period.

State Duels is being rotated around the state for a few years from what I understand. Louisville 2 years ago, Montgomery last season, Union this season. I'm thinking they will be around E-town (Central Hardin maybe?) next season then back to Louisville/NKY the season after. The point was to try and get a little interest in the event if I remember correctly. And Ranger is right...you never hear Trigg, Union, Calloway, Caldwell or any of the other DEEP WKY teams complain about driving to eastern ky for middle school state or even state duels last season...just sayin. On another note, I feel like we need to be looking for venues such as Union's where ALL 8 mats can be in the same place and us not be split between 2 gyms...unless we want to put small school and large school divisions in two separate locations. Might be impossible, but it makes for a better atmosphere and overall enjoyable time I feel.

Paden, Newberry, Ray, and Shaquille Cox all went with the 2007 team RYP. Paden and Newberry both wanted to go in 08, but Newberry had shoulder surgery like the week after Middle School State and Paden had so much fluid on his knees from his state finals match with Fahy where he tried to hit a standing roll and John kept his leg, nearly tearing his ACL that he couldn't move too well after HS state. I have to say being around this state's wrestling since 1996, Middle School wrestling has come a LOOOONG way! I remember in 2002 having an OPEN state tournament in Campbell County (boy was that a haul) where LaRue, Fern Creek, and Woodford battled it out all day long. Now we have Districts, Regions, then State. Glad to see KY is competing with some of the best now. Hopefully that trend doesn't take a dive.

I've been trying to avoid posting on this issue since the last time I did (and brought up some of the same points that have been embraced in this topic) I got absolutely ramrodded. I know for a fact the KHSAA is trying to remedy the situation. Several of their workers have the same health issues that many here have been complaining about. Here are the major issues that have prevented us from moving anywhere else: 1) Contract. Horse Park has a contract with the KHSAA through either this season or next (I think it is this season). After that, they are going to look LONG AND HARD for another venue. Bear in mind, THIS IS THE VENUE THE COACH'S ASSOCIATION AT THE TIME SELECTED from the list of possible venues. Many of these issues that have arisen since the contract was signed they thought they had accounted for. Apparently not. 2) Prices at other venues. Freedom Hall was the first and foremost choice for State. The issue was that the KY Fairgrounds people wanted $10 per car per entrance/exit. Meaning that those wrestlers who won their semi finals matches who often go back to the hotel and rested...would be charged $20 or more to do that. No joke. They were unwilling to waver on that either. Other than the Horse Park and Freedom Hall there aren't any other VIABLE places to host our State Tournament. YUM! is owned by a cooperation and based on what I've been told from others who have gone for events...it would not only be too large but parking would be miserable...plus the huge cost to rent it. I think Memorial on the campus of UK is too small to put down 6+ mats, although it may be worth exploring. NCAAs put the mats down edge-to-edge so if we could do that in Memorial I say go for that. Remember that the coaches wanted 6 or more mats down so whatever venue we go to has to not only have room for the nearly 100 schools that now sponsor wrestling, but also have room to put down all the mats LEGALLY.

State Duels are in Union County this season. Before anyone has a hissy fit...this may be the best venue ever. ALL 8 MATS IN THE SAME ARENA. From what I've been told by others who have been to this place (not UCHS but on the fairgrounds) it has ample seating, lots of room for the mats, yet we can still get the loud and crazy feeling when the fans get loud. As for sectionals, I have no clue. I heard things are being shaken up to compensate for enrollments, new teams, etc. I would hope since it is on the KYWCA website in the "meeting notes" that it was attached (sadly it wasn't), we will get atleast a draft here soon so fans can begin to plan for the trips.

I've been around KY wrestling since 1996...Brock and Isaac Knable have got to be top of the list. Joe Carr jr. as well. If we are going for who has gone on and done big things, Kyle Ruschell easily. Kyle went into the TOUGHEST NCAA D1 conference for wrestling bar non, and was constantly in the discussion on ESPN when NCAAs came around as a medalist. His senior year, I remember the commentators saying that he was a legit threat to WIN IT ALL. There have been several Kentucky wrestlers who could lay claim to this title, but without a real criterion for ranking them...we could debate all day.

I could be wrong, but I remember someone telling me that the KHSAA looked into Freedom Hall before signing with Altech. The problem was that Freedom Hall/Fairgrounds staff wanted $5 per car. And that wasn't a weekend pass either, $5 EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU CAME IN. So if you wanted to leave and come back, it was $5 again. Not exactly someone many of us would be willing to do I'd wager, especially with the concession prices as high as they are. YUM! isn't owned by UofL either, they just rent it for home games. Now, I 100% agree we need to get out of Altech ASAP! I haven't had such a bad allergy problem for as long as I can remember. WKU is an idea, but IDK how helpful they would be. That area is extremely basketball prejudice. It would be nice if Elizabethtown built an arena, but I don't see that happening. Memorial Coliseum at UK has the seating, not sure about floor space for 6 mats though.

alright...lemme throw this out there for EVERYONE to think anyone else comments on how few matches kids get on day 1... I've been apart of the KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament as floor/stage staff since 2006, so I'm usually there longer than most people because of the job I perform. Two years ago, I was there at 7am to help get things set up on Friday, then didn't get to leave until 12:00am because we had to set some things up for Saturday and do some recalculating of scores so no one would pitch a fit and start whining and complaining. Then, I had to be BACK IN THE ARENA by 7:30am and didn't leave until around 11:00pm Saturday night. What I'm trying to get at is that many of you are looking at this from a wrestler's/fan's standpoint. Think about the workers/refs who have to be there before many of you and don't get to leave until well after many of you. Part of my job is to help time each ROUND from start (first whistle at 106) til finish (last whistle at 285). What that means is that when the first whistle sounds for the first round of championship, I time until the last whistle at 285 is blown for that round in the bracket. I just pulled up how long each round took last season (bear in mind this was a QUICK NIGHT for us to get through the 4 rounds): Champ round 1: 4 hours and 4 mins. Champ round 2: 2 hours and 38 mins. Consy round 1: 1 hour and 59 mins. Consy round 2: 2 hours and 32 mins. Add all that up and the officials, WITHOUT A BREAK, were on the mat from 9:57am (first whistle in champ round 1) until 8:32pm (last whistle at 285 in consy round 2) which equals over 10 hours. Bear in mind this is after they got to the arena and did weigh-ins. How often do many of you complain that the first day always runs too long anyway?? Lets try and keep in mind that there is a TON that goes on at State behind the scenes/un-thought of to make sure it goes as smooth as possible. Before anyone bashes me for complaining, I wouldn't trade my job for anything in the world. I've grown up around the sport and absolutely love getting to be there and watch kids' dreams come true. All I'm saying is let's keep in mind that there are SEVERAL people who are there to make all this happen for you and your kids who often don't get to leave for a break, take time to eat, and endure the screams and bashing of many in that arena for things out of their control. One year in particular I remember the last match wasn't over until 11:30pm, and NOT ONE OF THE OFFICIALS GOT TO EAT DURING THE DAY. 13 hours on the mat without a meal.