Unicorn Warrior

Former 2x state runner up Sheldon Clark wrestling standout Brad Stafford has been hospitalized after falling from a truck while at work. He is in critical condition with severe head trauma. His chances have improved from yesterday, but he still has a long way to go. He and his family could really use your prayers right now.

From experience I can honestly say that the best players on my highschool football team were wrestlers. They were both physically and mentally tougher. Not only does wrestling help out with athletic abilities, but I believe that it builds a confidence that participants in most other team sports do not get. Its just the attitude and how a wrestler carries himself. On my team you could easily tell who was a wrestler and who wasnt by their attitude and the way that they played. It was men amongst boys.

It doesnt really matter to me either way, But how many teams are in region 8/region 1? Have you taken into consideration the wrestling community population and not just state census statistics? Just curious as to what you come up with

How many medalists?

How many years ago was this? Goodluck doing that now

A very strong point. A school with only a handful of wrestlers will have a hard time even competing in practice. There will be uneven matchups with drill partners. For example, A 189 may have to drill with a 152. Neither wrestler would get to experience wrestling someone of the same weight before going into a match.

I agree 100%

yep, basically. not a lot you can do about it though. Just a part of the sport. Happens in other sports all the time, only difference is that a sub goes in.

I just think a division split would give small schools for of an incentive to compete. I predict that the competition level would rise within small schools. More competition creates better wrestlers. Just my thoughts..

I'm sure they would not care to prove theirselves. Thats like saying, Why would a state champ return the next year to defend his title? Does everyone who works their rear off and achieves their dream give up? I don't think so. They step up to the challenge. Thats what separates the good from the bad. You have to be willing to step up. And if not, I'm sorry to say but your in the wrong sport. I don't want to argue, but I feel that 2 divisions would help our state out. Other states have had success from it. I think it would do the same for us.

I like the idea of a final meeting. But as for the wrestlers not wanting to be one of 2 state champs (Keep in mind that Kentucky does not have enough for more than 2 divisions), I think your wrong. I believe there are plenty of kids that would love the opportunity to have the title of state champ. In my opinion I think that competition within the smaller schools would increase because the prize of state champion would be more achievable. Same thing with large schools. Besides, you could take the top 8 from the small school state tourny and top 8 from large school and make a 16 man bracket for a final tournament.

I have another point to mention. If there were 2 divisions, there would be 4 state finalist eligible for senior nationals. We would double our input at the national level. And for those who say it strips the meaning of state champ, that is why they go to nationals and prove theirselves.

He said that West Virginia split in 1977. I'm sure that the teams have grown pretty fairly since then. On the other hand, it would probably be hard to figure out how many teams they had in 77.

Would there be as many teams if there were no class system?

Ok, so West Virginia has roughly the same amount of wrestling teams as Kentucky. Now look at this statistic. Total population of Kentucky 4.2 million. Total Population of West Virginia 1.8 million. So a state with not even half of the population of ours is putting out around the same amount of participants. I wonder why?

I agree with Lowsingle. When you live in a small community, there are slim pickings as far as getting individuals out for wrestling. If small schools could compete against other small schools, it would give the wrestlers more of an incentive to improve on their skill because of a higher chance of success. It would give the wrestlers hope. Ultimately drawing more kids out for our sport. I'm not completely sure on this but I believe that there are only about 3 states that have a state tournament that isn't divided by classes. Those states to my knowledge are: California with a total state population of about 38 million Pennsylvania with a state population of 12 1/2 million Kentucky with a total state population of around 4 million (I am just going by what I was told this by a California wrestler at nationals. Please correct me if I'm wrong) 2 out of those 3 states have pretty good success on the national level. The other, unfortunately, not so much. The population indicates that Kentucky compared to California and Pennsylvania just does not have enough wrestlers to make most teams on a competitive level. I think that is why other states have adopted the method of a class systemand have had "more" success nationally. It brings more attention to the sport. If a small town hears about their local highschool team winning a state championship it sparks interest. The community is likely to get involved and follow. More kids would be interested in the sport. That would ultimately mean more participants in the sport. More participants means a greater chance of national recognition.

it has a lot to do with balance. wrestlers with good hips can avoid dangerous situations. A wrestler with good hips who is faced with a dangerous situation often overcomes it by getting the edge in a scramble. try to get in a lot of scrambling situations while practicing to help.

I did not buy one concession item this year. It was much more convenient to walk 200+ yards in the cold, get in my car, and drive somewhere than to buy the garbage they were serving

Matt Slone- Sheldon Clark 5x all stater

I agree

Stafford and Barnett

After attending this last khsaa championship, I was wondering how our State tournament compares to others. I have participated in 5 Ky state tournaments and attended 6 as a spectator. Our own state tourney is something I find to be the most exciting event around. I've been to pro and college sporting events as well, but it just doesn't compare. When the lights go out for the finals, the energy and emotion of the crowd is one of a kind. The balloons, body paint, glow sticks, music, celebrations and the cheers and even the boos is all a unique and unforgettable experience. Every year, even after graduating, I still feel that same exciting feeling I felt in 3rd grade when I watched it all for the first time. I have not ever seen another state tournament, but I feel like Kentucky does it bigtime. I could be wrong. Do any other state tourneys share the same enthusiasm as we do here in the bluegrass?

I agree. It is pretty interesting to watch the wrestlers celebrate. It is a moment when everyone has their eyes on you, and for a brief moment, you can let go of your emotions. I believe that if a wrestler has worked hard enough to obtain a title than he has earned the right to celebrate.

No

Macho Man Randy Savage and John Lennon