MLee

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Everything posted by MLee

  1. MLee

    2011 Youth State Tournament

    I'm getting the brackets mailed to me along w/ the team scores. I'll do my best to post this information when I get it. I recall the top 3 scores: Raiders 133, Conner 89, Campbell County 78. We had a 3 way tie for 7th.
  2. I thought it would be a good time to start a discussion around the state about our upcoming Youth State Tournament. As the host team, we're really interested in everyone's input on how to improve the tournament for everyone (kids, coaches, parents, refs). We will be implementing a few changes this year to help prevent some of the issues in the past. Any ideas?
  3. MLee

    Youth Region 3 Tournament

    I second that ukmike (although I think we're in Region 3, which I should know being the "Regional Rep"). On behalf of Raider Wrestling, I'd like to thank everyone from SKY Wrestling for running a great Regional Tournament. As a SK alum, I was proud to see all of the support the youth program is receiving from the community. KY youth wrestling has come along way...that was evident today. Nice work NKY.
  4. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    JCB, The increase in participation should verify the sport is being promoted throughout KY. I've heard the first state tournaments were in the 200-300 range. Last year we had over 800 kids. This year we're expecting 900+. Also, I'm aware of 3 first year youth programs this season and I'm sure there is more. I've recently seen a list that had the names of all the youth programs. I was amazed how many teams have developed over recent years. Isn't this another indicator youth wrestling in KY is growing and being promoted? It seems to me the association has done a fine job at making those difficult choices, the results prove that.
  5. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    Just a quick update. After visiting w/ the Convention Center (along w/ Kyle) we have made some final decisions and changes on a few things. Here is a list of changes made (most of which have been discussed): 1) All spectators (w/ the exception of the handicapped) will enter the Convention Center through the 2nd floor (travel up the ramps) versus the main floor like the High School Tournament. They'll be asked to exit the same way. This will help reduce the floor traffic. 2) As mentioned before, nobody will be permitted on the floor w/out bands. This will be strictly enforced by 6-8 police officers and security guards. 3) The first 5 rows of seats will be blocked off for wrestlers and coaches only. There will be designated staging areas for all participants located close to their mat assignment. The kids will be asked to sit in this area until called. Coaches will be encouraged to sit in these areas as much as possible too. 4) The medal ceremony will start as soon as the bracket is complete. A staging area will be set up for kids to sit while pictures are taking. Although we are using the same area, we've made a few adjustments to help cut back the crowd. Unfortunately, there really isn't a perfect place to hand out the medals. 5) 2 sets of brackets and mat assignments will be posted (one on each wall heading up the ramp). This should make it easy for kids and parents to locate where they need to be as they enter. 6) Hospitality room will be for all table workers, refs, AND COACHES. 7) Head table will be located in the area w/ the sound equipment. This will give us a little more room on the floor. 7) Face off will remain as is.
  6. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    Damon, We'll have brackets and mat assignments posted on a wall at the Convention Center. This will allow coaches/parents/kids find their team's mat assignment quickly as they enter the tournament. The mat assignment will also include their bracket number. With so many brackets, it can be hard to locate w/out the number.
  7. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    CBender, thanks for your support and I love your ideas. I'll try to address all changes made to fix some of the issues you referenced. 1) Start time: In my opinion, this is the most important component to running a smooth tournament. We are going to do everything in our power to make sure the whistles are blowing at 9:00. Brackets and mat assignments will be posted the night before. Also, I am going to email mat assignments to coaches prior to the tournament. This will allow them to prepare the parents before arriving to state. However, we'll deliver another copy of the mat assignments to the head coach/team mom once they check in. I'm hopeful this extra work will make it easier for parents and kids to find their mats and get ready to wrestle. 2) I'm w/ you 100% on the faceoff. I am pushing for a "Walk of Champions" type of ceremony that allows all participants to walk a path w/ their team and meet in the middle. An announcer would simply call off each team in alphabetical order, w/ the spot light and music going. The team would be lead by their coaches. I'm sure this would have some issues, but it would certainly save time and allow all wrestlers to participate, not just finalists. 3) I consulted w/ the tournament director for the City Wide tournament held in Cincy, which usually has 1200+ kids. He recommended 3 sessions too. I see the benefit in doing it, my only concern would be w/ table workers. As the sessions end, the parents and help tend to leave. We should certainly consider this for future tournaments.
  8. Please go to the events tab to locate. If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks.
  9. I sent an email w/ the 2011 State Tournament flier to all head coaches. Some email addresses were not active. Please spread the word by forwarding the below information. Thanks, Coach Lee 2011 KY Youth Wrestling State Tournament Sunday February 20, 2011 Frankfort Convention Center / 405 Mero Street / Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 Entry Fee: 1. $12 per wrestler
  10. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    JCB, In addition, I listed a few positives about last years tournament. My Post "Last year state tournament at Frankfort was worst experience that we have had at any of the Elementary Tournaments. Below is a few example of the chaos of last year tournament. If that is your definition of positive, I'd hate to see your list of negatives. Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. I just found that funny. I have no idea what your definition of NKY is and what association you're referring to and how NKY is controlling it. The President, who does an outstanding job in my opinion, is from North Oldham...not NKY. I believe the next President (who was ELECTED) is from Trinity, once again not NKY. As far as 3 NKY programs hosting the state tournament in 7 years, I'm not sure that is a bad ratio. All 3 programs (Conner, Campbell County, and Raiders) are larger programs that have the muscle to handle such a large task. I believe you are too caught up on where the programs are from versus the size of each. I will be honest with you. I was 50/50 whether I wanted our program to even take it on. It is a huge responsibility w/ hours and hours of effort from dozens of workers. The host team deserves every penny they earn running it. We've been working on it since November. If you'd like to handle it, come to the meetings and volunteer your team. If anyone else has any other suggestions on improving the Youth State Tournament this year, please post. It is not too late to implement changes. I have a meeting w/ the Director of the Convention Center this week to discuss a few topics and create a diagram of the floor.
  11. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    JCB, I'm not sure where to begin. I post a topic hoping to get ideas on how to improve our state tournament, and it seems all some want to talk about is the excuses on why their program cannot keep up w/ others. Regardless of what you may believe, these elite programs have developed by the result of hard work, not by resource advantages. We've paid for our mats, singlets, and supplies by running a tournament every year, not by a trust fund or hefty donation by an alum. Our team and parents spent countless hours planning and hosting our Rumble tournament this season, which has helped us purchase everything we have and need. However let's just pretend what you're saying is correct. There is an agenda/conspiracy against rural KY (which I find comical). Isn't hard work and overcoming the odds core values taught in our sport? And to answer your question. I would have more concerns w/ shortening the season than extending it, although I have issues w/ both. Baseball season starts in March. I think having less or no overlap w/ other sports is a good idea. Also, by year end, our program will have wrestled in 13 tournaments. That is a lot for youth. I'd be afraid of burnout if we had 3 more weeks. Finally, having the tournament at the Convention Center is a blessing. I'd hate to go back to a high school gym after having there for the last few years. That would be like going back to Atherton High School. And by the way, Johnson County and Fern Creek are not NKY programs. Not sure how you came up w/ 4 of 5. It is 3 of 7 (according to your history).
  12. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    Naples, I'm not sure what else to call the tournament. Also, not sure I understand why these challenges only have an impact on your area. Please explain. I know programs in our region (NKY) have aggressively recruited help to have coaches at all levels. Almost all top programs in any state have multiple coaches at the youth and middle school level. It is the key ingredient in running an elite High School program. Besides, youth wrestling around the country starts in November. Why should we extend or cut our seasons short because a few programs aren't willing/able to keep up with the rest of the country's schedule? That would be taking a huge step backwards for our state. My advice is to get more help and start earlier.
  13. MLee

    Youth State Tournament

    Adjusting the mat sizes (really the amount of mats) is tricky. I'd be concerned about hosting a 1 day tournament w/ 1,000 kids (give or take) on only 12 mats or less. Indeed, the kids have more space to wrestle, and one could argue less out of bounds time could help speed up the matches. Also, there would be less tables and table workers, which continues to be an issue for the youth tournament. I'm just not sure we'll have enough time to complete the tourney at a reasonable time. We attended a youth tournament this year that used full mats. The tournament director claimed it would speed up the tournament, however we were there all day and they only had around 350-400 kids. Granted, they only used 4 full mats and the quality of the wrestling was better for everyone. Maybe in the future we can use the Regional Tournaments as a qualifier to decrease the number. We are going to give more passes for the coaches, but will insist they and the wrestlers sit in the designated seating areas assigned to their mat until called. We're hopeful this will help cut back on the floor chaos. The food situation is what it is. Until it gets changed, like Ranger said, we're at their mercy.
  14. I just wanted to thank all of the Kentucky programs that attended the Raider Youth Rumble. It is great to see our Youth programs compete so well against some of the top programs in Cincinnati. Good luck to all this season. Coach Lee
  15. Please contact me @ matthewlee@live.com if interested. Coach Lee
  16. MLee

    Elementary tournaments?

    Raider Youth Rumble is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th @ Gray Middle School. We're expecting a good turnout of both KY and OH kids. More information is on the "Events" tab. Also, even though the tourney is not a takedown tourney, we're expecting a large number of 1st year wrestlers (we have 60+ ourselves). The refs will be instructed to be patient w/ the first year kids, especially in the top and bottom positions. Please feel free to contact me for more information @ matthewlee@live.com. Coach Lee
  17. RAIDER RUMBLE TOURNAMENT FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED WRESTLERS DATE: Saturday December 4th, 2010 LOCATION: Gray Middle School Gymnasium 10400 Hwy 42-Union, KY 41091 ENTRY FEE: $12.00 per wrestler and is due prior to tournament. ADMISSION: Free admission for all spectators. ROSTERS: Team rosters must be received by Monday- November 29th! Please e-mail rosters to: matthewlee@live.com phone: 513-266-6457 TIMES: Wrestling Starts: Birth Year (98 & 99, 00 & 01) 9am (Please arrive @ 8:30) Birth Year (02 & 03, 04 & 05) 12:30 (Please arrive @ 12:00) WEIGHT TBD after rosters have been received. An effort will be made to CLASSES: create separate brackets for 1st year wrestlers. FORMAT: Double elimination. Three-1 minute periods. AWARDS: Medals will be given to the top 3 placers in each weight class ONLY COACHES AND WRESTLERS WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE FLOOR-WRISTBANDS MUST BE WORE AND CAN BE REQUESTED WITH YOUR TEAM