Momma

Received this from Julian Tackett. At least it's proof they're reading the emails/complaints. Still feels like a pat on the head kind of response, but it's not a form-letter response. "Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. As you say, months and years worth of information gathering, research, risk minimization strategies and all other aspects of these events goes into the planning. Nothing is dismissed without consideration. And the various constituencies including the coaches, officials and administrators were consulted and offered input. And nothing in these events, wrestling or any other event, is ever change for the sake of change. It also appears a bit short sighted to simply say, "don't change" when one has not really thought through or analyzed, or evaluated, a potential change in action. We will as always, evaluate all of our events post tournament, and discuss and consider any other necessary changes. That all said, there is not a single regular season meet or event that comes close to the magnitude of issues and scale as do the state championships. And for that reason, what is done in small events may not be able to transfer to larger events and venues. In this case, some necessary changes were made to ensure the health and safety of the fans, participants and all involved, as well as address travel concerns and travel cost concerns that may not be on the same magnitude for teams within one hour of the site as they are for those out in further reaches of the state. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts and I sincerely hope you and others continue to support the event, however, that is your choice. "

SENT to Julian Tackett and Mike Barren. I'm sure I'll get the form response, but the more outcry they receive the better! Dear Sirs, I am the proud parent of a 7-year wrestler. I have watched him and his teammates suffer wins, losses, injuries, blood and tears in the hopes of making it to the State Tournament each year. Not all do, but it’s not for a lack of trying. I understand the mission of the KHSAA is to honor as many of the state’s nearly 450 qualifiers as possible. But to wrestle the four placing matches simultaneously is antithetical to your stated mission. Making it to State IS memorable for each and every wrestler. Those that are not the “best” feel an unforgettable sense of accomplishment just by being able to walk in the Parade of Champions in the Opening Ceremony. Even if they go two and out, they know they made it to state! For those that are the best in their weight class, not only do they and the fans have to hope the most anticipated match is not in the semifinals, or even earlier, based on the random draw pairing, now they know that their moment to shine has been taken away from them. From the very organization that claims to espouse the “honoring the student athlete” mantra! The KHSAA’s actions for this very unique sport undeniably prove otherwise. There is no harm done to the finalists if they are allowed to have 6 minutes devoted to their match. Those that are at the top are being scouted for coveted scholarships. Some have Olympic aspirations (and I am sure you heard about the WORLDWIDE protest when the Olympics considered removing this sport from the schedule). No other sport in KHSAA has the finalists battling each other individually. It is not cross-country, where the fastest wins, or track and field, where fastest or farthest, dictates the outcome. It is not a team sport where each player must rely on his/her teammate’s performance. It is only two young men (and someday soon, women) that not only have to physically outdo each other, but mentally as well. Running a state tournament takes months of planning, and long hours from many dedicated individuals to make a successful event. I am well-versed on how much work goes into just my school’s single day events that are miniscule in comparison to State. That being said, the KHSAA resembles the NCAA too much, in that the student-athletes are seen as commodities and not individuals that have worked for years to have their moment of true recognition. I urge you to truly listen to the coaches, parents, and wrestlers (current and past) on how erroneous your decision this year is, and change it accordingly.