2012-2013 State tournament.

[bulldog-leader 56]

Assuming that the world does not end in December of this year.

Are you looking forward to another state tourney at the kentucky Horse Park? I don't mean the actual wrestling, I'm talking about the venue itself.

What improvements are you hoping for and what are you hoping they keep from last years extravaganza?

It's still early enough that some things could still be changed if need be.

[Mpire 76]

I didnt see last years venue so i do not know but as far as the arena went i thought it was great i have seen a few big tournaments i thought it was roomy plenty big enough theIr concessions could be a little better maybe let more vendors come in ,And i would blow the finals ceremony up i would love to be in charge of something like that Fog ,lights ,backdrops ,music,it would be awesome ,flashpods for finals matches AND SINGLETS AND wARMUPS FOR FINALISTS OR MAYBE JUST wARMUPS I UNDERSTAND A SCHOOL WANTING ITS SINGLET worn i would make it a tournament unlike any other in the country ,I do like the crasy pre finals thing with the beach balls and all its a great touch KY has a great state tournament ,Lexington is a perfect spot middle of the state AND VERY ATTRACTIVE SITE.

I would have the floor raised for the finals matches .

And oh yeah some states let the parents of the finalists set on the floor its a very nice gesture .

i would also have some very nice young ladies carrying around cards before each Finals match with the weights listed on them LOL,

I hear Lexington has some establishments where such ladies can be procured

seriously cheer leaders for Wrestlers Y not,

the toughest sport deserves all the extras without a doubt ,sad seeing all these kids get sold short make it something to remember .

[trithis 34]

I am looking forward to another State Tourney this year at the Horsepark. I hope they change the floor situation. I know we are in KY and all, but the dirt that came through to the mats has got to go. Who puts down a perforated floor to cover the dirt and not expect that it won't come through to the mats? This isn't beach wrestling. Other than that, I think raising the mats for the finals is a great idea and continuing to make the finals a spectacle is a great thing for this sport in KY. -

[bulldog-leader 56]

I don't know about the rest of you but I think the scoreboards need to be a little larger. Being the 1st time i've been in the stands since 82, I could barely make out the scores on most of the matches.

You gotta give us old folks a break, we like to see the score and the time of matches going on.

[CCMS_SC 59]

Don't really care if the scoreboards are bigger, but they definitely need lowered to the mats in the inside corners like Ohio does. You couldn't see half the mat because they were up in the air. If I knew how to download a picture of the Ohio State Tournament from my phone, I'd post it.

[Mpire 76]

Me too i have some nice footage LOL

[mommaswatching 8]

I still hate the venue at the KHP. I know that there is alot of concrete but come on for a relatively new building (compared to Frankfort) the stands were nasty. Anything that got placed on the floor either by accident or on purpose were filthy with dust from the arena and whatever the concrete had soaked up from previous events. For those with respiratory and allergies it was miserable I have never heard so many people complaining about headaches. It is a Horse Park arena, stress the fact HORSE ARENA.

The only fruit you could find was a bizarre fruit salad were all the ingredients taste like outlet fruit. Where were plain old apples, oranges and bananas? This is a wrestling event not a brunch. There was no place that kids could go that was quiet so they could rest, but also close enough for coaches and parents to make sure they were ready for their next match.

The Horse Park also did not have that magical feeling before the finals. Anything that landed on the floor was supposed to stay there (BOO). The lighting also was ridiculous during both the pre-finals and during the actual matches, for the wrestlers and the fans (Tiny scoreboards + poor lighting = older people unable to enjoy the finals like they did in Frankfort. You asked for suggestions and I tried not to be to negative just putting my thoughts and those of other moms and grandmas.

[CCMS_SC 59]

One other thought, the semi final round should utilize more mats. I can't remember how long that round took, but it was way too looooong. Most people were gone by the time the awards were presented.

[Mpire 76]

Yeah cmon people if your true fans you should stay till the end i hate when that happens it makes the most important part of the year seem less important.

[oldgrappler 9]

I still hate the venue at the KHP. I know that there is alot of concrete but come on for a relatively new building (compared to Frankfort) the stands were nasty. Anything that got placed on the floor either by accident or on purpose were filthy with dust from the arena and whatever the concrete had soaked up from previous events. For those with respiratory and allergies it was miserable I have never heard so many people complaining about headaches. It is a Horse Park arena, stress the fact HORSE ARENA.

The only fruit you could find was a bizarre fruit salad were all the ingredients taste like outlet fruit. Where were plain old apples, oranges and bananas? This is a wrestling event not a brunch. There was no place that kids could go that was quiet so they could rest, but also close enough for coaches and parents to make sure they were ready for their next match.

The Horse Park also did not have that magical feeling before the finals. Anything that landed on the floor was supposed to stay there (BOO). The lighting also was ridiculous during both the pre-finals and during the actual matches, for the wrestlers and the fans (Tiny scoreboards + poor lighting = older people unable to enjoy the finals like they did in Frankfort. You asked for suggestions and I tried not to be to negative just putting my thoughts and those of other moms and grandmas.

I've got to agree on this one - the new venue lost the excitement of the Frankfort state tournaments. The almighty dollar was the sole reason for moving the tournament. I understand the need to have more than 4 mats, but Frankfort was a special place and the small venue made the finals a spectacle. The Horse Park finals (and the pre-finals celebration) were really a let down from prior years. I know we are stuck with the Horse Park now, but hopefully they can do something to remedy these problems. I like the idea of a raised mat for the finals and find a way to change the lighting during the finals. And if they could do something to keep the dirt floor from getting all over everything that would be cool too.

[gametime123 4]

One other thought, the semi final round should utilize more mats. I can't remember how long that round took, but it was way too looooong. Most people were gone by the time the awards were presented.

I completely disagree that they should utilize more mats during the semi finals. Usually the semi finals are the most exciting round in the tourny full of exciting matches and tons of drama. A fan of wrestling should have the chance to watch these matches and thats impossible if you use all the mats, they will be coming and going to fast to keep up. These kids deserve to be on center stage as well...they made the state semi finals let them show off their talents.

Fans need to change the pre finals celebration. Why not have some kind of highlight video created on clips shot throughout the tournament, instead of running around like crazy people. The video could include big moves, coaches and wrestlers celebrations, and fan reactions. Kentucky could learn a lot by studying how other state tournaments like PA and OH excite the crowd.

[CCMS_SC 59]

Totally disagree about Ohio being more exciting. I've been to both several times, and KY is way more exciting even at the new arena. The atmosphere at Frankfort was even better. I find the atmosphere at the Shottenheim Center a little boring. Don't get me wrong the wrestling is great, but the atmosphere is a little dull including the videos. The pre-finals is unique and full of energy, don't change a thing except allowing things on the floor to be thrown back up into the crowd. I can't remember how the semi final round was ran, but I'm pretty sure that round is what pushed the time so late. If I remember correctly, the championship bracket was the only one going. I don't see why the conso's can't be running at the same time, two mats for championship and the rest conso's. It will still take as long for the championship side, but then the conso's would be ahead. So yeah, definitely need to utilize more mats during that round.

[stalling 7]

The Shott is boring? Yeah, ok. It seems to me that high school aged kids would feel a bit more grown up wrestling in a place like the Shott, than a horse barn. And I agree with doing away with all of the antics before finals. Running around like a bunch of little kids turned loose at Chuckie Cheese isn't befitting to creating an atmosphere of high level wrestling. I have barn, a bunch of silly string. That doesn't mean I can hold a State touney in my back field. Bigger more fan freindly facilities. More bathrooms, a good warm up/bull pen area for the wrestlers. That would improve the State event. I'm sorry, but on several topics in wrestling whenever someone brings up learning from Ohio or Indiana or Pa, someone else always says "we don't need anything from them, we'll do our own thing." That sort of attitude is exactly what will hold Ky wrestling back from the growth everyone wants. All the Northern Ky coaches talk about crossing the river to Ohio and Indiana to get the best compition they can, so something must working in Ohio. Quit trying to reinvent the wheel and treat Ky wrestling like its different than than any other wrestling community, be open enough to follow in the footsteps of States that already had growing pains and worked it out. It would save a lot of headaches and yrs in advancement in Ky wrestling.

[bulldog-leader 56]

Well if Ohio runs their state tourney like someone who has a stick up their rear end, then I'm glad we are in Ky. The state tourney is not a business meeting, its a time for kids, parents, grandparents, and fans to have a good time while watching some good wrestling.

Look at the extravaganza that will happen next week at the MLB All Star Game. It's a fun event for everyone. The competitoin would not change in Ky if they wrestled in Shott (Never been there or even know where it is) or at the Horse Park. The same kids step up and wrestle no matter where its being held.

I've been around long enough in that we use to wrestle our state tourney at a High School in Lou (Atherton) which in most years did not even have a wrestling team. Then we moved to Frankfort the excitement improved, now I believe we are taking a step backwards at the Horse Park. I like how the stands are up from the mats and only participants can get near the floor.

Yea lets continue fallowing Ohio wrestling and we will always be their little brother.

[CoachBrown 12]

The KYWCA region representatives have discussed many issues concerning the State Tournament. This being the first year at the KHP there were some areas that needed to be addressed. Realize, though, that it took this first year to see what needed to be addressed.

Some of the things discussed off the top of my head:

-scoreboards moved to the inside corners of the mats to not obstruct viewing

-Semifinal round lost its luster this year because there were only 2 matches going on at a time

-Elevated finals mat(was told it was a liability issue this year)

-Lighting change(It was too dark for the finals, either turn all the lights on or get a spotlight)

-The floor was bought specifically for the State tournament (why it had holes would have to be answered by someone else.)

-Another stairway to the floor(I believe this has already been addressed

These are a few things talked about for upcoming years. Happy 4th!

[PinAndWin 64]

Bigger arena, more bathroom facilities, more concessions, more centrally located. Are there things to improve on? Sure. Is it a much better venue? No doubt about it. When the kinks are all worked out, we'll all be glad we moved. The arena in frankfort was old, run down and too crowded. I think instead of looking at the past, coming up with ideas on how to improve our current location would be more constructive.

[gametime123 4]

Well if Ohio runs their state tourney like someone who has a stick up their rear end, then I'm glad we are in Ky. The state tourney is not a business meeting, its a time for kids, parents, grandparents, and fans to have a good time while watching some good wrestling.

Look at the extravaganza that will happen next week at the MLB All Star Game. It's a fun event for everyone. The competitoin would not change in Ky if they wrestled in Shott (Never been there or even know where it is) or at the Horse Park. The same kids step up and wrestle no matter where its being held.

I've been around long enough in that we use to wrestle our state tourney at a High School in Lou (Atherton) which in most years did not even have a wrestling team. Then we moved to Frankfort the excitement improved, now I believe we are taking a step backwards at the Horse Park. I like how the stands are up from the mats and only participants can get near the floor.

Yea lets continue fallowing Ohio wrestling and we will always be their little brother.

No one said Kentucky had to be Ohio's little brother but you must use the resources you have. Kentucky is lucky to have one of the top wrestling states in the nation next to them ( ask Northern Kentucky how interacting with Ohio has changed their wrestling atmosphere). My point being why don't we attempt to use this resource and create a top atmosphere here in Kentucky. I agree with stalling the running around before the finals seems a little silly if you ask me. I disagree that the the atmosphere at the Shott is boring. The Schott is very big (Ohio State Basketball Arena) 10 mats in all and is difficult for fans to understand because fans don't get to experience much of it. The long walk wrestlers take from the warm up area throughout the arena to enter the bullpen "tunnel of champions" to being escorted to their mat is often over whelming the first time you experience it. After warming up in darkness surrounded by pictures of former champions to walking out into the bright lights, this can make even the most experienced wrestler nervous. Ohio uses music, poems, lights, and highlight videos to get the fans ready for the finals. I think if Kentucky used this even a little it would increase the atmosphere because the fans are already into the event. Half of Kentucky wrestlers are still running around with their teammates playing games during the finals instead of watching the best their state has to offer. If you have never seen the parade of champions in Ohio watch these two videos and think of what Kentucky could use to make ours better.

http://www.flowrestling.org/coverage/236644-Ohio-State-Tournament-GOhioCasts/video/316571-OH-Parade-Of-Champions

http://www.flowrestling.org/coverage/236644-Ohio-State-Tournament-GOhioCasts/video/316326-Finals-Ceremony-Side-Shot

[CCMS_SC 59]

Stalling,

Yeah boring. The wrestling is top notch and exciting that's why we go, but the atmosphere is boring. There really isn't a high energy level in the crowd. I'll admit that the size of the arena might have something to do with it feeling that way. Just my observation, and who said we can't learn from the other states? That's why we wrestle all over the country to see the best kids, and to get better.

[stalling 7]

Bulldog, I didn't say follow Ohio. I said look to Ohio, Indiana and Pa for ideas and procedures and time tested ideas. If everyone wants Ky high school wrestling to "grow" and compete on a higher level, then stop treating the wrestlers like youth wrestlers and show them that they have earned respect and dignity. Think about it... a lot of those State wrestlers next step after State is college. So, let em run around like ill behaved children and lose all their focus and intensity right when they need it most. Or, allow them to take the next stept toward adulthood in their athletic career. You say you've never been to Shott? How do you know what its like? As I said, step out of the cacoon you're in, look around and then use what you see to improve Bluegrass wrestling. Or, just be content being Ohios little brother while they laugh at you with that stick up their butt. Northern Ky wrestling is arguably the toughest in the State due in a large part because those schools cross the river for competition. Yet, people like want to turn your nose up at Ohio like a bratty child when someone mentions doing anything remotely close to how they do it. Pay close attention, ladies and gentleman. Attitudes like that will keep Ky off the National level for yrs to come.

[CCMS_SC 59]

Wow, KY turns their noses up to Ohio? Pretty sure it's definitely the other way around. Everytime I take my son to an open mat/practice in Ohio, it's always the same. Oh, you're from KY. That is until he beats the snot out of most of them. Love that look on their face!

[hoosierdad 1]

Freedom hall or broadbent! Indiana has theirs at Conseco Fieldhouse and that place is packed! Magical feeling and the parade of champions before the finals is something to see. Should be a magical moment for the kids who made it there! They deserve that!

[stalling 7]

Ccms, I was refering to Bulldogs comments.

[Mpire 76]

OK SO WE ALL AGREE THE RAISED floor for finals is cool ,i do agree the warmup area for Ohio is better ,I like the parents of finalists seated on the floor very classy and a nice gesture to the parents who have gone through a lot to get their kids there .I personally liked the antics in ky before finals i also understand keeping it more profesional so to speak but if anyone knows me they know i am a big kid at heart i liked seeing the young kids eyes light up duiring all the antics they will remember it and it may be a very very useful tactic to keep the young ones interested in the sport by making them and showing them it is fun ,i also understand some people thinking it is childish .I think it may be good for KY maybe not Ohios cup of tea not a bad thing for either .

ohio does a good job with pics and stats of its wrestlers on the jumbo screens and such its cool , i cant remember how ky did it i think they did the same im not sure of some things i do not pay attention when i am focusing on my kids or the tournament and i had two in ky and only 1 in ohios

didnt notice the dirt as much as everyone else i would watch them wrestle o0utside if that were the case i survived a few dirty places in ohio duiring jr high states but i respect the OAC greatly they are very fair people for the most part despite that ref i wanted to choke to death after they lied to me saying my boys would not have to wrestle at the same time duiring finals of grade school state ,not cool having to miss your sons state finals match because your younger boy is going for third ,I went with who needed me most not with who i would look good standing nextto thats what dads do ,I went with austin he lost stephen won easily .Austins loss was bs too but they all always are LOLneat story Stephen wrestled in both the grade school state and jr high state tournament on the same weekend that year he is still the first and only kid to ever do it and place in both 1st in grade school and 3rd in jr high ,needless to say after his loss in jr high to the eventual champion he beat the crap out of his next opponent a grade school kid it was nasty as hell i thought he was going to kill that kid .double matches i will never be prouder of him than i was on that day four kids in the state tried it two dropped out and another bombed in jr high everyone in grade school was scared to death of him after they knew he already placed in jr high awesome stuff.

OAC is ran by great people

those gd OHSAA refs are northern OHIO butt kissers as well fleeing the matt my ass watch that match on flo bro Ohio has some issues as well .

very close to that bs call against Austin at schoolastic duals against the indy kid i was mad as heck but i liked the outcome there better You cant break austin with bs bad calls he learned from his brothers mistakes hes a gd iceberg man i love it .

LOl

trying to get him to drop about ten get back to 220 needs a 480 Deadlift and a 310 Bench to break the national record there in the 16 17 class he pulled 495 last week but hasnt benched over three ,so we will see, this year or next its his .

State champ national champ in wrestling and national powerlifting record holder he better drop ten or im gonna be ticked Hey OTTO MY Mpire rankings say Austin is the number 1 SOPH in the country so does his OW trophy from freshman nationals,And soon his Powerlifting trophy will say he is the strongest as well thats how we do it.

Hey Dutch i want you and your boy to come to his meet it will be awesome stuff .we have to get him fired up.

Stalling you n Joe better come as well Austin needs some support and maybe if you call em and tell him to drop ten and go for it he will .

[mommaswatching 8]

When I commented about the concrete in the stands being dirty, I was trying to be tactful. I should have said that they were nasty. I saw a kid throw up twice all over the place. And when the custodians finally came to clean it up 45 minutes later, after they had been asked by the people sitting near the kid for cleaner and towels to clean it, all the liquid had been absored by the concrete only aftermath remained. They did not even clean it with any cleaner just removed the debris.

I also think that the limited access to the floor should definately allow trainers, coaches, teammates to run things to the wrestlers this would help the kids wrestling stay focused but not isolated. Having another access point would also allow for them to get that last hug from grandma or mom. if family is not allowed on the floor. I know that some will be moving on to collegiate settings but that number is very very small. Kentucky wrestling finals are unique and fun and to alot of kids witnissing the spectacle is one of the highlights of their wrestling careers and definately a memory maker. I just really do not care how Ohio or Indiana run theirs, nor do I voice my opinion on Their forums. It is none of my business how they do things because I do not have a dog in their fight or feel like I should intrude. Just my opinion. .

[hoosierdad 1]

When I commented about the concrete in the stands being dirty, I was trying to be tactful. I should have said that they were nasty. I saw a kid throw up twice all over the place. And when the custodians finally came to clean it up 45 minutes later, after they had been asked by the people sitting near the kid for cleaner and towels to clean it, all the liquid had been absored by the concrete only aftermath remained. They did not even clean it with any cleaner just removed the debris.

I also think that the limited access to the floor should definately allow trainers, coaches, teammates to run things to the wrestlers this would help the kids wrestling stay focused but not isolated. Having another access point would also allow for them to get that last hug from grandma or mom. if family is not allowed on the floor. I know that some will be moving on to collegiate settings but that number is very very small. Kentucky wrestling finals are unique and fun and to alot of kids witnissing the spectacle is one of the highlights of their wrestling careers and definately a memory maker. I just really do not care how Ohio or Indiana run theirs, nor do I voice my opinion on Their forums. It is none of my business how they do things because I do not have a dog in their fight or feel like I should intrude. Just my opinion. .

Sorry to have intruded on your forum, and until you start caring about how other states do theirs, yours will stay the same. Being spiteful, closed minded and unwilling to learn is unwise in anything in life.