Dear Mr. Barren,
Per the link below it appears that this year’s state wrestling championship finals will be wrestled alongside all other placement matches. As a coach and a parent I am trying to understand the reasoning behind this decision.
I moved to Kentucky from Florida eight years ago where I had enjoyed competing in wrestling during my school years. When I wrestled in Florida there were 3 classes of schools due to the population, so you would have three state champions for each weight class. There was never a clear cut individual state champion. All of that changed during the first season I spent coaching in Kentucky and the state tournament is what I look forward to each and every season for that reason…one state champion. I know the state tournament is not without its issues, however I feel that the absolute best thing about is being one of the last two competitors wrestling on Saturday night with all of the parents, teammates, coaches, fans, etc. looking on. With the growth of the sport I know that this may soon erode into a big school/small school tournament and that will be both a disappointment for me as a fan and opportunity as a coach.
However, back to the issue at hand, if I read the link below correctly the KHSAA is going to eliminate the honor of wrestling under the lights as the last two standing in the weight class. Again, I don’t know the thoughts or reasons behind the decision. I just ask that the KHSAA research other options of reaching the same goal. I enjoy the new venue as compared to the Dudgeon Arena in Frankfort. I believe the Arena has tremendous potential to serve us well.
As a coach and promoter of the sport I wanted to ensure my voice on this matter was heard. I believe that there are others that would agree with me. I feel the decision to hold all of the medal matches, including the championship, will dissuade from the prestige of the tournament. Please respond on the decision making process in regards to this.
Thanks,
Chris McWherter
Assistant Coach
Calloway County High School
