If I am reading this correctly, 1st-8th place matches will be wrestled all at the same time.  That means no single mat finals at state.

http://khsaa.org/wrestling/2014/statemeettimetable.pdf

4:30 p.m. (App. but not prior to)

KWCA Awards and Special Recognition Ceremony

State Championship Finals Round Opening Ceremonies

National Anthem

Introduction of Finals Competitors:30 – 6:00

Seventh Round Consolation Bracket (7th place) (14 matches)

Eighth Round Consolation Bracket (5th place) (14 matches)

Ninth Round Consolation Bracket (3rd place) (14 matches)

Championship Bracket Finals (1st place) (14 matches)

** to conclusion (use Four mats, wrestle simultaneous, hold start of next class for all to complete)

KHSAA Award Presentations Following Each Bracket Final

I hope this isn't the case! If so, it is the worst idea ever! The KHSAA should be ashamed of themselves for even having such a ridiculous idea! Terrible!

You are reading it correctly

Who are these people in the KHSAA that make these decisions and how many are there?

WHAT!!!!!! so they wont do a spotlight or let parents on the floor for pictures, but they will take away from the prestige of making the finals!!!! What a bunch of BS, charge us 50 dollars for an all sessions pass 100 dollars for food (over two days), and now wont even recognise our finalists (1-2).  I don't understand why the KHSAA can't get this right!!!  LET ME GUESS THEY WANT TO SAVE TIME, WE GOT OUT TOO LATE!!! wah wah wah the kids deserve to get their moment in the spot light!  If they are worried about time which is what i am guessing is the problem add more mats earlier in the tournament....KHSAA you are a joke!

The Coaches Association did submit a letter that was against was this move. We did not receive a response other than the email outlining the time table.

Wonder what the response would be to parents contacting the KHSAA about this issue. I dont see them getting to worried about us coaches complaining, but with tons of phone calls flooding the office of highly upset parents might change some minds.

Consider it done from at least this parent.  What's the phone number?

^{I just sent an email to Mike Barron, the assistant Commissioner in charge of wrestling.   I encourage everyone to send him an email or call his office to express your dislike of this new schedule.} 

^{His email address is [email protected] .  The office phone number is  859-299-5472.  Please make your voice heard on more than just this thread.  Email and/or call the KHSAA as soon as possible to voice your opinion on this!}

Thanks for posting the info wrestling booster, I would assume Mike Barron is the person that people need to contact. 

Done

Bluesdad 

Mike was the only one I could find that primary charge is wrestling.  None of the other assistant commissioners or the commissioner himself had this listed as a primary sport under their supervision.  Therefore, I assumed he was the logical first step.

Done also!

Everyone, please help spread the word to take a minute and make a call or send an email.

No other sport is disrespected by the state the way they do wrestling!

To not let the coaches have a say in the format is asinine!!!

Done

email sent

You guys crack me up. 

Holy crap what a slap in the face of wrestling!!! I have forwarded the email and phone number to all parents on my son's team. This is our local version of the olympic fight. Enough of the disrespect, let's seriously be heard this time. If it's a time issue with the horse barn all the more reason to get the hell out of that place. Freedom Hall sounds good to me....people probably spend more money on allergy medications that weekend than they would be subjet to for parking at the fairgrounds. Maybe coach McCoy would consider taking a positiion at KHSAA?!

Email sent. Mike Barron is the person you want to contact. Just remember, be polite in these emails. You know, the whole honey and vinegar thing...

Keep spreading the work folks. We need everyone to get this changed!!! From your high school parents all the way down to your youth programs!!! State Finals should be these kids moment, they worked hard all year long, and should have all eyes on them as they try to win Kentucky's biggest prize in wrestling!

Sent mine in

Just caught wind that the KHSAA also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. Feel free to visit and comment there as well. We will need to flood them with our call, emails, Facebook posts and Tweets!

All,

This a big deal!

A raw one!!!

For what it's worth, below is the email I sent to Mr. Barren.

Please urge everyone to comment to him.

Mr Barren,

It has come to our attention in the wrestling community that the schedule has been set to run the matches for places 1st through 8th place simultaneously, on the final day of the championships.

This is a huge disservice to the wrestlers that spend many years in training, make it through a grueling season, and reach the finals.

It is a disservice to the true fan of the sport sitting in the stands being forced to choose which match they watch.

It is equally a disservice to the college recruiters sitting in the stands trying to make the same choice. Many of these kids that place in the state tournament are looking for and are good enough to receive wrestling scholarships.

Taking the opportunity away from focusing on placers 3-8 will only diminish possible opportunities for those kids.

For what reason, all in the name of saving an hour and a half or two?

I'm hopeful that enough people will point out the mistake that is about to be made and the KHSAA will reconsider it's decision.

Please give our sport and these athletes the deserved recognition that goes along with the State Championships.

Hold up the State Wrestling Finals (1-2 place) on the pedestal it deserves and give it the solo spotlight!

Thank you,

Kevin Griffith

Wow! I didn't know it would get so much and this kind if recognition. I was just pointing out something I had noticed while reading on the KHSAA site.

All,This a big deal!A raw one!!!For what it's worth, below is the email I sent to Mr. Barren.Please urge everyone to comment to him.Mr Barren,It has come to our attention in the wrestling community that the schedule has been set to run the matches for places 1st through 8th place simultaneously, on the final day of the championships.This is a huge disservice to the wrestlers that spend many years in training, make it through a grueling season, and reach the finals.It is a disservice to the true fan of the sport sitting in the stands being forced to choose which match they watch.It is equally a disservice to the college recruiters sitting in the stands trying to make the same choice. Many of these kids that place in the state tournament are looking for and are good enough to receive wrestling scholarships.Taking the opportunity away from focusing on placers 3-8 will only diminish possible opportunities for those kids.For what reason, all in the name of saving an hour and a half or two?I'm hopeful that enough people will point out the mistake that is about to be made and the KHSAA will reconsider it's decision.Please give our sport and these athletes the deserved recognition that goes along with the State Championships.Hold up the State Wrestling Finals (1-2 place) on the pedestal it deserves and give it the solo spotlight!Thank you,Kevin Griffith

e-mail sent

email sent:

Hello Mr. Barren,

I am writing you today after seeing the state wrestling finals flyer.  It would appear from the flyer that 1^st through 8^th place matches will be wrestled simultaneously  Typically there has been a single mat finals for the state championship.  My son is a wrestler in KY although I live in Michigan.  I look forward to my wrestling weekends as much as any other parent and indeed I enthusiastically make the 1000 mile round trip from my home religiously to watch this great sport.  I know these young men and women work very hard at their craft and should be rewarded accordingly.

Coming from a state where wrestling is a very strong sport from the youth level all the way through division one, I can objectively say that the sport is growing quickly in KY and I loved the spotlight format for the state championship match.  I don’t know if you are aware but Kentucky has nationally ranked athletes with national championship credentials competing.  I’m not sure you can say that about many, if any other sports in the state. 

I don’t know the reasoning behind running the championship match simultaneously with the consolation match finals, but I can say it does detract from the state championship match.  All of the fans, competitors included, look forward to watching the championship match and the build-up leading to it.

If the reason for the move is a time constraint I can say with certainty that the time constraint can be managed to allow for the spotlight on the state championship matches.  I am sure all followers of this sport would agree.

I am sincerely hoping you will change the format to allow for the opportunity.

Thank you for your support,

Email sent. Thanks for the info. This is what this forum is designed to do.

Thank all of you for your emails and messages.  We need to continue this.  I have alerted several sports media personalities about this.  Please contact anyone you know in the media and get this story out.  Hopefully at least one will run this story and get some public spotlight on this travesty that the KHSAA has proposed.  Hopefully our wrestlers will get the honor they deserve from working so hard!!

Great emails Tapout and B10grapple!  Keep spreading the word! 

Called and spoke to Mr. Barren, Seemed nice enough, talked for about 10 mins. about the reasons they felt the need to change the format.

He did not seem to be seriously concidering any thoughts of changeing back. said he was very busy with getting the regional tournaments

setup and would not be responding to e-mails. Now I understand you parents with kids have/want to attend. But for us empty nester fans,

We may concider a boycott, several hundred people spending nada. Will not cost any less to host the tournaments, but if tens of thousands of $

vanish from the revenue i'm sure they would take notice of that!

Called and spoke to Mr. Barren, Seemed nice enough, talked for about 10 mins. about the reasons they felt the need to change the format.

He did not seem to be seriously concidering any thoughts of changeing back. said he was very busy with getting the regional tournaments

setup and would not be responding to e-mails. Now I understand you parents with kids have/want to attend. But for us empty nester fans,

We may concider a boycott, several hundred people spending nada. Will not cost any less to host the tournaments, but if tens of thousands of $

vanish from the revenue i'm sure they would take notice of that!

Bumstead is 100% correct. The only voice they will listen to is the voice of the dollar.

This could really be a step back to our sport here in KY.

E-mail sent.  I also sent mine to Julian Tackett.  He is the head commissioner.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease!  Let our voices and pocketbooks be heard!

Even if they do not change the format back this year, this is a issue that should be address. KHSAA needs to release a statement about why changes were made to this format that seemed to have worked well for years. 

Time was one issue of course, as people who live far ends of the state will get home late (made comment of the safty issue)the others he brought up were by the end of the hwy wieght matches barely 50 people

remained as most had seen the matches they came for,and having more matches would keep the intrest up.The party atmosphere while waiting to breakdown the

mats, people stealing toilet paper rolls, said 2 police officers were hit with 8 lb.rolls of toilet paper.

(how big is a 8 lb. roll of the stuff anyway?) also made comment about the draw and if the #2 wrestler gets put out early the the fans and recruiters would get to see him alongside the championship match.

the excuses continued but became more and more uncompelling.

Where are they getting these ideas from? What do other states do? I never been to state finals other than KY.

Coach McCoy,

I find it ludicrous that the coaches don't get a voice with their input into this situation.

Is there any way to bolster the backing of the coaches on this issue?

A signed petition by coaches, parents and wrestlers, maybe?

If anyone has ideas, please share them!

What is Julian Tacket's email?

Mr.Barren gave me the impression the Coaches were aware of this situation for some time and had input.

I emailed Julian Tackett as well. The problem is, if you go to the KHSAA website and look at the pictures and profiles, it is very easy to see that not one of them is a past wrestler. They don't understand. If I were Brock going for my 5th, or ATM continuing his reign of dominance, or Boston being the #1 ranked wrestler in the country, or any of the other guys that made it to the big dance, I'd be pissed that I had to share my special moment with 3 other mats. If they want to keep the crowd there, don't do the medal ceremony until the end of the HWT match. I told Mr Tackett that regardless of the excuses that we have received this far, that this was a $$ decision made by people who has no respect for our sport. I offered him solutions and asked that he would reconsider the current schedule and do what was right by the kids.

[email protected]

[email protected]

What is Julian Tacket's email?

Done.

thanks,

Sent, looks like Tackett will get one too!

Mr. Barren,

It has come to my attention that the KHSAA has decided to run the Consolation Finals and Finals simultaneously this year at the state tournament. I'm sure you have received many letters asking that you reconsider....this is another one!

Kentucky is one of very few states that has a true State Champion because we do not divide the boys into separate classes like many other states. We have two national champions included in the five nationally ranked wrestlers that will be competing. 4 of the 5 have committed to Division I schools to wrestle....the fifth is a junior which will have his choice of many D-I schools when his time comes. Denying these wrestlers AND THEIR FAMILIES the opportunity to experience "The Finals" payoff for working all season at an incredibly demanding sport would be a complete injustice.

In 5th grade my son competed in the Youth State Championships on the Sunday after High School State. We attended the tournament on that Saturday for the first time, and when he witnessed the electricity of the break between the consolation finals and the finals he said, "Dad, I want to be here someday!" I'm confident that many other kids have felt that same way and are working right now for that opportunity.

Kentucky wrestling has improved tremendously since my son was a 5th grader and much is being done to continue the momentum. This move by KHSAA is a move in the opposite direction. Please support wrestling and it's quest for continued improvement and national recognition. Give these young boys something to aspire to be a part of a unique and special moment in the sport.

firemans34 that was awsome, brought a tear to one eye anyway

You are correct. We were aware that there would be a format change. One option was to wrestle 2 finals matches at a time. We sent a letter against this and the change was made to the format released. I was only made aware of the new format three days before the release of the time table. As someone who wrestled in the finals, I know how much it means to be the main show at your weight class. I can assure you that we will be working with the KHSAA to hopefully get things changed in the future if nothing is changed this year.

The people not staying for heavy weight matches is not a viable reason, we gave them a solution. You simple random draw a weight and make it the final match, like dake vs taylor. The coaches submitted solutions to every problem, but they wouldn't listen

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

Tony Vanetti of 790 WKRD and the host of the sports show Afternoon Underdogs, has a young son involved in wrestling, he talks about the sport every once in awhile on his show. This could possibly be a media source to help get his issue out if anyone has a way to contact him. Just throwing out ideas. 

I think his son wrestles for River City.....the St. X youth program. Pretty sure mike Calhoun on this site has/had a boy with them.

Tony Vanetti of 790 WKRD and the host of the sports show Afternoon Underdogs, has a young son involved in wrestling, he talks about the sport every once in awhile on his show. This could possibly be a media source to help get his issue out if anyone has a way to contact him. Just throwing out ideas.

Tony Vanetti of 790 WKRD and the host of the sports show Afternoon Underdogs, has a young son involved in wrestling, he talks about the sport every once in awhile on his show. This could possibly be a media source to help get his issue out if anyone has a way to contact him. Just throwing out ideas. 

[email protected]

His son is on the Shamrock youth team.

Response from Julian Tackett.  I have to say if there are 'safety' elements involved I'm failing to see them.  I also don't see how this is in keeping with his comment that the kids are the number one concern.  At least he responded and perhaps there will be an opportunity for this discussion during the 'review'.

Thank you for the feedback. The issues were discussed with the Advisory Committee and various other states. Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. I am going to support the changes developed by the staff, which factor in many more issues than a finals schedule.

As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well.

Thanks again and travel safely.

Called and spoke to Mr. Barren, Seemed nice enough, talked for about 10 mins. about the reasons they felt the need to change the format.

He did not seem to be seriously concidering any thoughts of changeing back. said he was very busy with getting the regional tournaments

setup and would not be responding to e-mails. Now I understand you parents with kids have/want to attend. But for us empty nester fans,

We may concider a boycott, several hundred people spending nada. Will not cost any less to host the tournaments, but if tens of thousands of $

vanish from the revenue i'm sure they would take notice of that!

Apparently Mr. Barren and the others forget that Ky taxpayers pay their salary!!!!!!!!!!!  They work for us instead of the opposite.  I think it is time that they understand this is the order!!!!!!!!!!!  We need to find a way to communicate with them that we are not happy about this and they have to be accountable for their decisions, especially decisions that set our sport back.  No responding to emails is an insult!!

The people not staying for heavy weight matches is not a viable reason, we gave them a solution. You simple random draw a weight and make it the final match, like dake vs taylor. The coaches submitted solutions to every problem, but they wouldn't listen

My son wrestles in the heavyweight class as did I when I was in high school.   I know many folks leave before his matches in large touraments when he is in the finals.  I don't necessarily like this but I understand people have distance to travel and want to get home.  I personally like the idea of the random draw like most duals have.  This way it might be the 106 weight class that wrestles last.  Another idea that has been thrown around in this thread and others is to wait till after the last match to hand out awards.

Email sent -

Hello sir,

I am a senior at Campbell County high school and I have caught wind that we will be wrestling all of the state placing rounds at the same time. This is an email asking you to reconsider.

Last year I placed fifth at the state tournament and stood and watched as the finals took place with me falling one match short. There was no better motivation for me to improve and be there the next year. When I say it takes away from what I have worked for my whole career if you do this , that is an understatement. I am positive that all my fellow competitors feel the same. I have a good shot at making the finals but if I make the finals or not the way it has previously been is the way it belongs to stay. If you are worthy of being the best two in the state then you deserve to be showcased for all to see. It gives the youth and middle school a dream, a dream of one day being under those lights.

I also participate in football and there is no semi final matches that are played on the day before or at the same time as the state finals. It's one weekend for semifinals and one weekend of championships. This is the equivalent in our sport. I speak for the wrestlers on our team and for the state when I say please reconsider and let us have our moment of champions.

Sincerely,

Dustin Turner 170lb state finalist hopeful

Tony Vanetti of 790 WKRD and the host of the sports show Afternoon Underdogs, has a young son involved in wrestling, he talks about the sport every once in awhile on his show. This could possibly be a media source to help get his issue out if anyone has a way to contact him. Just throwing out ideas. 

[email protected] is the email address I got online when I searched.  I will send him an email to see if he will discuss this topic!

Response from Julian Tackett.  I have to say if there are 'safety' elements involved I'm failing to see them.  I also don't see how this is in keeping with his comment that the kids are the number one concern.  At least he responded and perhaps there will be an opportunity for this discussion during the 'review'.

 

 

Thank you for the feedback. The issues were discussed with the Advisory Committee and various other states. Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. I am going to support the changes developed by the staff, which factor in many more issues than a finals schedule.

 

As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well.

 

Thanks again and travel safely.

Wow! What a BS answer! Very politician like

This is what I sent.

Dear Mr. Barren,

As a parent, teacher, and longtime wrestling advocate, I strongly disagree with the recent decision made by the KHSAA to eliminate wrestling state finals as the main event of the state tournament.

The State Wrestling Finals have long been a way for the wrestling community to come together and celebrate the achievements of those dedicated to the sport. These matches are special because they represent the pinnacle of the entire season—whether a wrestler from their own team is in the finals or not. Perhaps like no other sport, wrestling is very much a brotherhood--not just on their own teams but across the state. Wrestlers create long standing relationships with others from different teams. These relationships are built on mutual respect, admiration, and appreciation for what these young men contribute to the sport. During The State Finals athletes and fans alike cheer for each finalist as if he was on their team. Without main event finals matches, the unity of our wrestling community will be weakened.

I have been involved in wrestling since 1992 when the State Finals were held at Atherton High School. Each year, I watched excitedly as wrestling teams, tournaments, and organizations grew stronger allowing more youth the opportunity to participate in a truly life-changing pastime. The decision to move the State Tournament to the Al-Tech Arena was a monumental achievement that finally provided wrestling the type of venue its athletes and fans deserved. However, the decision to eliminate main event finals seems to be going in the wrong direction, a step backward.

We do not want to jeopardize what many have worked tirelessly to rebuild in our commonwealth. And even with those gains, regrettably, wrestling is still a sport where participants’ accomplishments are often overshadowed by more popular mainstream sports. We understand and accept that. However, the State Finals is one of the very few times where wrestlers get their proper recognition. The pageantry associated with The Finals has led many young wrestlers, my sons included, to aim for higher goals, to accomplish more than the status quo, to work harder so that one day they may stand in that coveted spot light representing their teams, their families, and their state.

Please reconsider this decision. Keep the State Finals as the main event of the tournament--a tradition that unites and celebrates the sport of wrestling.

It is awful that the sport association is run by people who know nothing nor care to know anything about wrestling. These kids work hard and deserve to be recognized. Imagine if your son is wrestling in a conso match you can forget about getting to see the championship match. Two steps back.

My dog has more influence Than Tackett. He's useless . Dealing with the KHSAA is like getting a root canal without novacane. I said my peace....The end

So why does one guy get to change it even though everyone disagrees?

Let's protest!!!!

So why does one guy to change it even though everyone disagrees?

Let's protest!!!!

Prolonging the tournament makes them more money does it not? I potentially will have 2 sons in the finals this year. They will not get the fan fair they have worked for.

Hate to say this but khsaa has become about nothing more than money. This causes more people to stay and longer. It should be about the kids but Barron and the rest care nothin about the magnitude of affect this have on the kids. There's a simple but hard solution, break their pockets and it we might have a voice in the matter when they are at our mercy. Spectators must not attend leave this years audience be parents and coaches only and they will hate. Don't buy the high priced food or uniforms they sell. Break them is our only voice nothing else matters to people that's never competed in this sport besides the money

Only appropriate for the quarter sized medals that the champions get!  Like I said last year, after this season, I will never attend another KHSAA event except for 3 years of soccer until my daughter is finished then never.  They are only interested in one thing and that is their 6 figure incomes, period! 

Keep up the pressure and at least require a non B.S. response from someone.

Below is my message to Mr. Tackett.

(I also copied Mr. Barren on this)

On Feb 6, 2014, at 8:40 PM, "Kevin Griffith" <[email protected]> wrote:

Mr. Tackett,

Below is an email which I sent earlier to Mr. Barren concerning the KHSAA wrestling finals, I'm hoping you will read it in full.

I'm copying you because I received no response from Mr. Barren.

I've also read a response that you sent to another party stating your position on this issue.

You stated that the decision was made with consultation of a committee and that it was in the best interest of the kids.

I present to you that this change will actually hurt kids chances of recruitment and will be a step backwards for our sport. Many of the kids placing 3-8 are extremely capable of receiving college scholarships, this move will only take the recruiters focus off those kids.

Rather than support a committee that made a grievous mistake, please consider the impact that your decisions have on the the kids and our sport.

You will not find anyone in the wrestling community that is supportive of this format, not one coach, parent, wrestler, fan or college recruiter that agrees with this decision.

Were there any wrestling coaches on your consulting committee?

Was there any consideration given concerning college recruitment?

It is not too late to correct the mistake that is scheduled to happen.

I'm hopeful that you will give consideration to my message and respond with a thoughtful reply.

Thank you,

Kevin Griffith

On Feb 6, 2014, at 10:04 AM, "Kevin Griffith" <[email protected]> wrote:

Mr Barren,

It has come to our attention in the wrestling community that the schedule has been set to run the matches for places 1st through 8th place simultaneously, on the final day of the championships.

This is a huge disservice to the wrestlers that spend many years in training, make it through a grueling season, and reach the finals.

It is a disservice to the true fan of the sport sitting in the stands being forced to choose which match they watch.

It is equally a disservice to the college recruiters sitting in the stands trying to make the same choice. Many of these kids that place in the state tournament are looking for and are good enough to receive wrestling scholarships.

Taking the opportunity away from focusing on placers 3-8 will only diminish possible opportunities for those kids.

For what reason, all in the name of saving an hour and a half or two?

I'm hopeful that enough people will point out the mistake that is about to be made and the KHSAA will reconsider it's decision.

Please give our sport and these athletes the deserved recognition that goes along with the State Championships.

Hold up the State Wrestling Finals (1-2 place) on the pedestal it deserves and give it the solo spotlight!

Thank you,

Kevin Griffith

Email sent -

Hello sir,

I am a senior at Campbell County high school and I have caught wind that we will be wrestling all of the state placing rounds at the same time. This is an email asking you to reconsider.

Last year I placed fifth at the state tournament and stood and watched as the finals took place with me falling one match short. There was no better motivation for me to improve and be there the next year. When I say it takes away from what I have worked for my whole career if you do this , that is an understatement. I am positive that all my fellow competitors feel the same. I have a good shot at making the finals but if I make the finals or not the way it has previously been is the way it belongs to stay. If you are worthy of being the best two in the state then you deserve to be showcased for all to see. It gives the youth and middle school a dream, a dream of one day being under those lights.

I also participate in football and there is no semi final matches that are played on the day before or at the same time as the state finals. It's one weekend for semifinals and one weekend of championships. This is the equivalent in our sport. I speak for the wrestlers on our team and for the state when I say please reconsider and let us have our moment of champions.

Sincerely,

Dustin Turner 170lb state finalist hopeful

May need more of this , this is who it affects !!

Call your state rep . Let them come down on the KHSAA. In Boone Co. it is John Shickle .   I will try to fine a number

This is slap in the face. The high school wrestling medals and awards are horrible, really how much are they saving? Now this! These wrestlers deserve to have their moment on one mat, center stage period. The middle school wrestling association runs circles around these guys! I vote to put Jason Moore and John Roth in charge of the high school tournament! They surely have gotten it right with the middle school kids!

WOW,I never read anything like this on this site,Everyone sticking together and agreeing on something.It is the 911 to our sport. I hope everyone can stick together and come up with some ideas to make us heard.I for one would be willing a boycott to hit them where it hurts. I know it would be very hard to miss my sons matches but for the greater good I could do it. If everone on here would have all their family and friends out in front of the horse park before wrestling begins with signs protesting this move and when wrestling starts have only one family member go in and make calls to us for updates, and all of us could go to the closest Bar and Grill or stay out front depending on weather. We may even get media notice either in front of the horse park or at the place we choose to go. Maybe extreme but I am willing. Keep sticking together or everybody should just refuse to spend any money once you go in.

I'm sure the wrestlers would want the stands full.  Instead maybe do something else like everyone wearing the same t-shirt with a slogan.  I'm not very good at this but something along the lines of "One Final One Mat"

I would buy and wear something like that, and it should be a really obnoxiously bright color so they can be seen throughout the whole arena

Just everyone needs to be sending emails. Have your friends your family send in an email. The shirt ideal is good also.

This is the reply I got from Mr. Barren.  Has anyone else gotten a reply? I don't under the safety issues to the wrestlers....

Thank you for the feedback. The Tournament management issues were discussed with the Advisory Committee made up of wrestling coaches representing every region, and our staff meets regularly with various other states associations about tournament management. Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. Any changes developed by the staff, factor in many more issues than a finals schedule. Forgive me that emails don’t always express tone very well, because I don’t want to sound as if I am not listening to your concerns. I just have a different view of our mission. I believe our task is to provide the safest and most memorable experience possible for as many of our student athletes as we can. It would greatly reduce the variables of running a wrestling tournament if we only were to highlight the eight Regional champions; notice I didn’t say eight best wrestlers in the state, because sometimes the second or third best might be in the same region as the best. But if we wanted to “showcase” them, it would be easy to bring in those eight and do a one day tournament that draws attention to those eight. We are bringing in 448 wrestlers to one site, to give them the memory of competing in a State Championship. Being a parent of two high school athletes that are not as talented as the very best, I know they work just as hard to be the best. They may never get to have that experience, but I’m thankful that their high school Coach and Principal and the staff here at the KHSAA work very hard to give them the best possible high school athletic experience. It is our task to make sure that the 5^th and 25^th place finisher has just as safe and memorable experience as the most talented wrestler. As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well. We will strive to find how we can increase the experience the everyone.

Thanks again and I wish you the best.

That's the same email I got

This whole situation is unfair,upsetting, and frustruating. I for one will be going to work making some money and missing out on entertainment I was looking forward to. Me and my wife had plans to make both days, stay over in a hotel, eat out at some nice dinning establishments, and make a nice weekend of getting out after the long and arduous winter we have endured. Now I suppose I will be at work, keeping tabs with what's going on

with trackwrestling. I hope as many of you that can will follow my lead in this. Those of you that have to attend (because of a child in the event,or

you just could't bear not to) help the cause and boycott the concessions stands. put people in front of the stands with posters. take a sandwich in one pocket and a pop in the other. Heck I will donate $50 to someone willing to sit outside with coolers of pop and give them away to people.

yea, I got one of them form letters too. looks like their just replying to every e-mail with this same garbage. most likely, not even reading the messages. 

same response I got

Received exact same form letter....politician!

They want to get out earlier for safety, that's understandable. But we gave them a solution. All they have to do is add 2 mats for the earlier rounds. It would greatly increase the start time of finals and you would still be able to have 1 mat finals. It's not rocket science, they just don't wanna listen.

How about when the 106 championship final is supposed to start they just don't wrestle.  All coaches would have to be in agreement that their wrestler does not step on the mat.  I'm talking from 106 all the way to heavy.  They can't make them wrestle.  It would be a PR nightmare if they started forfeiting both kids and didn't have a true Champion. 

Or maybe figure out a way to stall until the other matches finish, like both kids step onto the mat with their laces untied and take six or seven minutes to tie them.

Agreed coach. I loved Dustin Turners email that's from a kid who is first class all the way. I'm going to send an email as well just to add to there headaches regarding this situation. Doubtful anything will change but none the less to ad to the cause.

Has anyone even thought to give this a chance? I remember when wrestling cut districts and went to region-state. I remember when kids with braces were required to wear mouth guards. Or when the weight classes changed. Or when we moved to the Horse Park? There was some whining and belly aching, but it worked itself out.

What are we teaching our kids through this? That if you do not like something you should write a letter and cry about it? Is this how we want them acting as adults? Is this how we should act as adults? No. Concentrate at the task at hand and get after it. I believe this will be reviewed AFTER and maybe something will change.

I haven't read one comment about how someone has an idea to help. I understand the timing and safety issues. I have two suggestions to maybe resolve this.

1-the arena is HUGE. Lay down two more mats and add at least another round to Friday. Keep running on 8 mats until we get to the consolation finals (3 mats). Then break to one mat for championship finals.

2- Go back to district-region-state format. Top 4 from district go to region. Top 4 from region go to state. The best of the best in a 16 man bracket. Finals on one mat.

I always hear, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Well, getting out from a wrestling tournament after 11 pm is broke. This change came because of timing and safety. And in case some of us haven't noticed, this winter has been terrible to wrestling this season. So I say, let's see how this goes. Then send feedback to our coaches and athletic directors so they can bring it up at the review. Please do not boycott or protest our wrestling state tournament.

What are we teaching our kids through this? That if you do not like something you should write a letter and cry about it? Is this how we want them acting as adults? Is this how we should act as adults? No. Concentrate at the task at hand and get after it. I believe this will be reviewed AFTER and maybe something will change.

I haven't read one comment about how someone has an idea to help. I understand the timing and safety issues. I have two suggestions to maybe resolve this.

1-the arena is HUGE. Lay down two more mats and add at least another round to Friday. Keep running on 8 mats until we get to the consolation finals (3 mats). Then break to one mat for championship finals.

2- Go back to district-region-state format. Top 4 from district go to region. Top 4 from region go to state. The best of the best in a 16 man bracket. Finals on one mat.

First, I believe that we would be teaching our kids the democratic process.  If we are not satisfied with how things are being done, or disagree with decisions being made, we act in a manner which is peaceful in nature; but the key is to ACT.  Voicing our opinions is an important part of teaching our children that they have a voice and should not assume the position of sheep being herded through life by the more powerful figures in our government or organizations of which we may belong.  

Second, I believe several have offered solutions or ideas to fix this.  The coaches association proposed one solution, in the form of a proposal which went unread by the KHSAA.  

How about when the 106 championship final is supposed to start they just don't wrestle.  All coaches would have to be in agreement that their wrestler does not step on the mat.  I'm talking from 106 all the way to heavy.  They can't make them wrestle.  It would be a PR nightmare if they started forfeiting both kids and didn't have a true Champion. 

Or maybe figure out a way to stall until the other matches finish, like both kids step onto the mat with their laces untied and take six or seven minutes to tie them.

I do not have my rule book on hand, but does anyone know if there is a set time limit for reporting to the mat once your bout has been called? If there is a five minute limit to reporting to the mat once the bout has been called, then the finalists could use that five minute time to wait out the other matches.  Just a thought.  Great response to this.  We should also get this trending on Twitter for all those young technologically superior teenagers.  Like Mr. Turner exhibited, it is these young men who are being affected the most.  Their voice should not be denied, as these are the kids whom KHSAA claims to serve.  

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.

This fight should not be on the backs of our young wrestlers, who have already sacririced and worked too hard to be asked to forefeit their chance at history. No This is our fight. We should teach them to stand up against injustice. every decision made by the establishment is not always the correct one. and It's up to us ADULTS to mske some sacrifices to show are young men that we appreciate their efforts, and stand behind them.

Let's setup a tailgate party outside the arena in the parking lot. We'll have brats, hotdogs,hanburgers, drinks and such. for anyone who does have to purchase a ticket, they can come outside and enjoy FREE refreshments.

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. "

hoehn.marcus I was going to post the same thing about teaching our kids to standup for something they believe in as long as its peaceful. The khsaa said they wanted to make the tournament memorable,I remember when I coached youth wrestling and a kid made it to his first finals face-off the look was more memorable than anyone I had ever seen from him. My son did not make the final's last year and he try's to use that to motivate him this year,plus he wanted to watch it not wrestle at the same time. Heck his older sister had never seen a state finals wrestling tournament and she was so excited about it she told him he better work his butt off in the off season because she wanted to see him out there.She also lost her job this year because she told them she couldn't miss his state tournament,she may have went to far but she became a big fan last year.

I'm still having a very difficult time understanding where safety of fans and participants comes into play. What?! Safety? In the form letter response I received he mentioned a coach from each region was on this Advisory Committee and they all had input. Is this a total fabrication? How much input did the coaches honestly have on this topic?

The advisory committee was told they wanted to change. We expressed that we were totally against it in a letter and and gave them options to keep them from doing this. And as far as I'm aware,they never talked to anyone in person. The safety concern is late night travel. They are scared someone will wreck, then blame it on them for going late. But it seems that they have their mind made up on how to fix it and are not willing to listen to anyone else's ideas.

This whole situation is unfair,upsetting, and frustruating. I for one will be going to work making some money and missing out on entertainment I was looking forward to. Me and my wife had plans to make both days, stay over in a hotel, eat out at some nice dinning establishments, and make a nice weekend of getting out after the long and arduous winter we have endured. Now I suppose I will be at work, keeping tabs with what's going on

with trackwrestling. I hope as many of you that can will follow my lead in this. Those of you that have to attend (because of a child in the event,or

you just could't bear not to) help the cause and boycott the concessions stands. put people in front of the stands with posters. take a sandwich in one pocket and a pop in the other. Heck I will donate $50 to someone willing to sit outside with coolers of pop and give them away to people.

I would hesitate to call a boycott to the event.  Maybe the kids won't care, but wrestling for a title in nearly empty arena, diminishes the atmosphere as well.  No need to further penalize the athletes.  

I agree don't punish the kids with a boycott, but we can refuse to but anything. Also the shirt ideal from any earlier post was a decent one

This is the reply I got from Mr. Barren.  Has anyone else gotten a reply? I don't under the safety issues to the wrestlers....

 

Thank you for the feedback. The Tournament management issues were discussed with the Advisory Committee made up of wrestling coaches representing every region, and our staff meets regularly with various other states associations about tournament management. Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. Any changes developed by the staff, factor in many more issues than a finals schedule. Forgive me that emails don’t always express tone very well, because I don’t want to sound as if I am not listening to your concerns. I just have a different view of our mission. I believe our task is to provide the safest and most memorable experience possible for as many of our student athletes as we can. It would greatly reduce the variables of running a wrestling tournament if we only were to highlight the eight Regional champions; notice I didn’t say eight best wrestlers in the state, because sometimes the second or third best might be in the same region as the best. But if we wanted to “showcase” them, it would be easy to bring in those eight and do a one day tournament that draws attention to those eight. We are bringing in 448 wrestlers to one site, to give them the memory of competing in a State Championship. Being a parent of two high school athletes that are not as talented as the very best, I know they work just as hard to be the best. They may never get to have that experience, but I’m thankful that their high school Coach and Principal and the staff here at the KHSAA work very hard to give them the best possible high school athletic experience. It is our task to make sure that the 5^th and 25^th place finisher has just as safe and memorable experience as the most talented wrestler. As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well. We will strive to find how we can increase the experience the everyone.

 

Thanks again and I wish you the best.

This is the same reply I received.  It sounds like they are trying to make sure no athletes are left out.  Somewhat like the little league teams who give participation trophies to all participants.  What will be next, not keeping score and awarding medals to all participants in the state tournament???  I never made it to the finals match when I wrestled.  However, I was in awe of the folks that did.  They did something I could not and they have my respect!!  There is only room for two in the final match and those two deserve some respect and notariety for making it this far!  Keep on sending he emails and letters!  Call everyone you know and lets put some pressure on the KHSAA to do this right!

as I see it, everyone can wine and murmer about it, and yes the athletes would be penalized by not having

stellar attendence. but before you decide to roll over ask yourselves, "Whats Next?" maybe we will have to suffer a little now to insure future Champions and runner-ups. get the respect and attention of past champions.

Safety concern for the kids... Really.

They play football and soccer games in the rain and sometimes snow. I attended many cross country meets where the courses looked like mud pits....

None of their answers are anything less than B.S......

Keep piling on the emails and calls!

They (Barren & Tackett) keep harping on safety. It sounds like they are more worried about the shenanigans that go on before the finals. If that’s the case then lets us as coaches, fans and wrestlers police ourselves and prevent the 10 pounds of toilet paper, beach balls, and all the other garbage from being thrown across the stadium. I’m sure we would be willing to police that, as long as the finals got the recognition they deserve. They also seem to worry about no one being present at the heavyweight match, so follow the NCAA’s lead and make another match the final match. I know we wouldn’t leave early if Brock Ervin’s match was last. I want to see history possibly being made.

as I see it, everyone can wine and murmer about it, and yes the athletes would be penalized by not having

stellar attendence. but before you decide to roll over ask yourselves, "Whats Next?" maybe we will have to suffer a little now to insure future Champions and runner-ups. get the respect and attention of past champions.

And not showing up this year isn't exactly showing respect to the this years Champs.  Is getting your point across more important than being able to witness some of the finest athletes in the state perform, and giving the the opportunity to do their thing in front of a large crowd??  Is it up to us to decide that this year's group gets to pay the price??  I'm not defending the the decision, but asking for a boycott, is like throwing the baby out with the bath water. 

Yes but the problem with doing nothing is nothing happens

Yes but the problem with doing nothing is nothing happens

I'm not advocating not doing anything.  But not attending, does more harm to the sport overall.

No, it is not up to us, remember this was shoved down our throats by a group of people who obviously never

has had children doing the kind of things ours has. Me not being able to witness some of the finest wrestlers around and seeing history being made hurts. I do not WANT to miss the action and excitement,

but other than send e-mails, what can I DO that can make a difference? The only protest I can make that can possibly make a difference, and believe me when I say it is a sacrifice, is to keep my money away from the KHSAA.

No, it is not up to us, remember this was shoved down our throats by a group of people who obviously never

has had children doing the kind of things ours has. Me not being able to witness some of the finest wrestlers around and seeing history being made hurts. I do not WANT to miss the action and excitement,

but other than send e-mails, what can I DO that can make a difference? The only protest I can make that can possibly make a difference, and believe me when I say it is a sacrifice, is to keep my money away from the KHSAA.

It IS up to us to continue to support and help grow the sport.  Poor attendence won't change the thinking of the KHSAA at all.  Attendance goes down, and now they can justify a smaller venue, smaller tournament, even more ideas to save time and money.  You're right when you say it's about $'s.  I'm sure $'s were part of the decision to try to streamline and save time.  Travel, lodging, rental of space....I'm sure all those costs were as much part of the decision as anything else.  Again, I'm not defending their decision, or your right to be upset.  It's just that what your asking for may not exactly have the affect you desire.  If we continue to support and grow the sport (and the $'s that it can generate), our voices are much more likely to be heard.  So I do I like this decision??  Not really.  But this decision doesn't prevent our kids from wrestling, and striving to be the best.  It doesn't prevent them from having a stage, and being able to compete.  It doesn't diminish the hard work and effort that kids, parents, and coaches put in.  State qualifiers, placers, and champs will still be crowned and recognized.  But calling for people to not be there and witness is a much bigger crime than changing the format of the event.

just checked last years football schedule for the state finals. Kickoff for the last scheduled game was for 7:00 however this was for CST which means 8:00 EST. so the game would be over 10:00 or later and after interviews means that the teams and parents would be getting on the road from Bowling Green at about 11:00 p.m. EST. I guess late travel only applies to wrestling. 

just checked last years football schedule for the state finals. Kickoff for the last scheduled game was for 7:00 however this was for CST which means 8:00 EST. so the game would be over 10:00 or later and after interviews means that the teams and parents would be getting on the road from Bowling Green at about 11:00 p.m. EST. I guess late travel only applies to wrestling.

That's not really an accurate comparison. It takes a LOT more time, effort and personnel to run a wrestling tournament with close to 450 wrestlers. A playoff football game between just two teams and 100 kids is relatively easy to pull off, and it's over in two hours max. There is no comparison except swimming, cross country and track. All of which probable have multiple events going on at the same time. Those are the sports you should be using in your argument. If we are smart about this and and take a breath, an decent argument could be crafted. If enough people work together and intelligently, we will have a much better chance of convincing the KHSAA.

I understand your point, but no one has yet admitted it's about money.

The blanket statements have been that this about about safety of the kids.

Dog101 has a point, late travel is late travel regardless of the sport.

Is there anyone on here willing to form a committee of our own and just see if ideas can be pulled together as well as work with the coaches to present options?

I had a 16 minute 51 sec conversation with Mr. Barren earlier today. First question from him was he asked if I had ever been to state and I assured him I had. He also stated he had wrestled and that he too did not like change. okay. It has taken me several hours to process what he said and not get angrier. His main point was that it had nothing to do about the money but kept saying schools had complained about the late ending. I stated most teams that were over an hour away planned on staying. He kept saying that this was the best alternative. They could have stopped 224 kids from making it to state. And I politely stated that the finals match has always been a highlight and what a lot of kids have used for motivation.

He kept saying that they would review how it worked this year for next. Adding mats to day one would mess up the 45 minute rule and coaches would be complaining that wrestlers had to stay late on day one and wrestle early day two. I told him that if a kid is a senior and that they have taken a possible moment from him. He said highlighting all the placers of one wt. at one time is logical. And maybe more people should stick around to watch the whole event. I stated what does it matter you already have the gate. Ended agreeing to disagree and me saying that I was disappointed for my son and the message being given that wrestling is secondary especially to the elem. participants.

So sad and disappointed. tried honey got lemons

I may not be looking at the latest version, but the time schedule currently available to me on the KHSAA website appears to be different than the one originally posted on this thread.

http://khsaa.org/wrestling/2014/statemeettimetable.pdf

Sounds to me like 3rd, 5th, and 7th on 6 mats (two weights simultaneously). Then at the conclusion of those matches, finals on 2 mats.

I just talked to Mike Barren. The KHSAA website was hacked. That is not the correct time table. The correct time table is the one with four mats being wrestled at once. 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th at once.

What about wrestling Regionals as planned and then using the results from that to host the 1st ever KY Wrestling Coaches Association State Championships. We could leave the KHSAA standing at the horse park wondering where the heck everyone is. I feel certain that there are enough people on here with enough ties to lock down another facility to wrestle at. I know some folks at the Farnham Dudgeon Civic Center. Gotta admit, the middle school association makes the KHSAA look ridiculous!!

Nice to see wrestling fans are highly intelligent and computer savy...

IWIN.....does that mean I have to run it? I'm still tired from State Duals....lol

I'll help!

IWIN said: Gotta admit, the middle school association makes the KHSAA look ridiculous!!

Yes they do!! They give medals so big they  can be seen across the state. They have a finals face off and wrestle the finals matches by themselves. They even give every finalists  their own finals singlet. The finalists then have the opportunity to either wear their own team singlet or the one given to them by the Middle School Association. Mr. Barren can say all day it's about safety, phffff!!! It's about money and everyone knows it. They got theirs and now they want out. He keeps saying coaches were on the committee that made this decision. Which ones? What coach, or for that matter former wrestler would vote for something as stupid as this?

Coach McCoy, I would be willing to bet you would get an overwhelming amount of support, help, table workers, food donations, etc if you could pull this off! Lol. I will be with Coach Teater at the front of the line to help!

In NO way we're coaches on a committee that decided on this. We have a committee and we sent a letter opposing this decision.

If "safety" is an issue why are we at alltech arena. Two years in a row someone gets sick from the dust. Thats a safety issue. The rolls of TP and beach balls are a "safety issue" then make all the kids who run around the top of the gym stop running. Thats a safety issue. If they are concerned with not.giving upper weights ie 285 the respect of having a full arena do what NCAA did this past year. Split the finals up and pick a weight class and put it last. If you put 132 last so Brock can attempt the 5 peat then do it. I am pretty sure I'm keeping my kids at the tournament to watch him make history along with everyone else.

If "safety" is an issue why are we at alltech arena. Two years in a row someone gets sick from the dust. Thats a safety issue. The rolls of TP and beach balls are a "safety issue" then make all the kids who run around the top of the gym stop running. Thats a safety issue. If they are concerned with not.giving upper weights ie 285 the respect of having a full arena do what NCAA did this past year. Split the finals up and pick a weight class and put it last. If you put 132 last so Brock can attempt the 5 peat then do it. I am pretty sure I'm keeping my kids at the tournament to watch him make history along with everyone else

.

AMEN!!!!!!!! I guess if someone has to be rushed to the hospital or dies from an asthma attack due to the dust and/or filth coated seats the safety will finally be acknowledged. Or if someone on blood thinner bleeds to death from a nose bleed.

And I am sorry to whoever said this: SEE HOW IT GOES!!!!!!! blahblahblah. Review for next year HA. What if there is NO next year, if it is their senior year and they are being Robbed.

Just a thought, but I would kinda like to see the kids come together and as a group, not participate in the walk of Champions. It wouldn't cost them a possible lose or penalty and it would show unity among the most important people in this whole deal, the kids

What about wrestling Regionals as planned and then using the results from that to host the 1st ever KY Wrestling Coaches Association State Championships. We could leave the KHSAA standing at the horse park wondering where the heck everyone is. I feel certain that there are enough people on here with enough ties to lock down another facility to wrestle at. I know some folks at the Farnham Dudgeon Civic Center. Gotta admit, the middle school association makes the KHSAA look ridiculous!!

Coach Teater,

Could you please post a copy of the letter the coaches sent to KHSAA?

I would like to use it in my reply to Mr. Barren.

Thanks.

Just posted this on twitter:

Why are we changing the format of Wrestling State Championships? No one wants this change except for you. You are hurting the sport, the coaches, and worst of all, the athletes. Being a state champ in 2012 an a runner up in 2011, I know I wouldn't trade the feeling of the only match going in the arena for the world. And as a heavyweight I didn't care ore stands were full as long as I had my family an my team that was all I needed. If you get rid I the one mat tradition, you will make a lot of enemies. Those who come just to watch won't come because of the change. We all know this is about money so why rick losing the spectators? I hope you listen to those who pay your salaries and take them seriously. If you don't you are disrespecting the sport, the athletes, and the state. #OneMat

It might be bold but someone has to call them out on their BS.

I do not have a copy of it, but i will do my best to get it. I believe Coach Crithfield from Henry clay has a copy.

Don't think it has been mentioned in previous posts but 3rd thru 8th placers don't get to watch the finals in their weight class,  That is a shame,

Just have the 1st place match participants not step on the mat like someone said until the other 3 matches completed. If both wrestlers agree to it, even if they get penalized, it happens to both wrestlers equally.

I'm sure the wrestlers would want the stands full.  Instead maybe do something else like everyone wearing the same t-shirt with a slogan.  I'm not very good at this but something along the lines of "One Final One Mat"

I would buy and wear something like that, and it should be a really obnoxiously bright color so they can be seen throughout the whole arena

One Champion One Mat (?)

Neon green?

Last Man Standing?

To the Victors

Goes the Mat

Kentucky Wrestling

United We Stand

Just have the 1st place match participants not step on the mat like someone said until the other 3 matches completed. If both wrestlers agree to it, even if they get penalized, it happens to both wrestlers equally.

Response from Julian Tackett.  I have to say if there are 'safety' elements involved I'm failing to see them.  I also don't see how this is in keeping with his comment that the kids are the number one concern.  At least he responded and perhaps there will be an opportunity for this discussion during the 'review'.

 

 

Thank you for the feedback. The issues were discussed with the Advisory Committee and various other states. Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. I am going to support the changes developed by the staff, which factor in many more issues than a finals schedule.

 

As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well.

 

Thanks again and travel safely.

Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered.  That's the same answer they recommended, to do away with the post event hand shake..... Look at the National Media tail spin that took....,

Unacceptable.

What states do it like this? I've only been to our own and seen video of other states, so which states did their advisory committee speak to?

What states do it like this? I've only been to our own and seen video of other states, so which states did their advisory committee speak to?

The advisory committe must have been their wives. Who like must coaches wives want the events shorter so they can come home earlier.

Has anyone contacted the Media?  Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green or Cincinnati?  They took off like wildfire with the handshake ruling.  

Oh not fair grappler of old....there are some wives who love this sport just as much as the coaches   My child has been wrestling since he was 5 and is now a freshman, his motivation has been to be under those lights in a finals match.  I understand that the lateness of the event might pose a problem to some people....we always book a room for the entire weekend..knowing we will get out of finals matches late.  Just seems like our wrestlers are getting the short end of the stick every time we turn around.  Taking the individual finals matches away will take so much away from the event.  Just isn't fair to the kids!!!

I sent a message and included this forum topic to a friend of mine who is the production director and producer for WAVE 3. Asking for some much needed media coverage on this atrocious change. Will keep you updated on his reply.

What a great idea! This is better than any stinking boycott.. I'm willing to to do whatever I can to help. $, Time, or equipment. I have trucks, trailers and a tractor with a front end loader. I will contribute up to $1000.00 But, I get in free to watch the show. My # is Home(606) 798-5104 Work # (937)549-2641 (ext.) 5061 Name's bernie

It's a great idea however the biggest concern would be the liability insurance policy covered by the KHSAA we ran into this with another sport slowpitch softball years ago and we were able to run our own state tournament with the backing of the KHSAA but we have to get the KHSAA support and backing to be able to do something like that. the Coaches Association could run a heck of a lot better state tournament than the KHSAA ever could but it has been done before. Go at them from that angle as it's obviously a pain for them.

The safety concern is late night travel. They are scared someone will wreck, then blame it on them for going late.

Seeing as any one drive can get in a wreck at any time -- no matter if it's daylight or nighttime -- this just seems silly to me.

Has anyone contacted the Media?  Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green or Cincinnati?  They took off like wildfire with the handshake ruling.  

A parent from Central Hardin brought this to my attention today.

I had no clue this was going on until she forwarded me an email from someone she knows at Lafayette.

Something I'd like to see happen, but I doubt the KHSAA would even entertain the idea: a return to the district, region, state format. It will whittle the number of wrestlers down who make it to State, thus less time will be spent at the state tourney.

Finals would get done sooner and folks would be able to head back home before it gets too late.

Yea, and the reason they would not consider is is $. There would be fewer wrestlers at state, therefore fewer families attending, less revenue.

They want their money and do not care squat about what's best for the kids, spectators, or the sport.

We must be doing something right. This has now been published in the Frankfort State Journal newspaper in a letter to the editor.

Link?

Can you put a copy of the letter to the editor on here?  You have to be a subscriber to the paper to read it on line. 

I've tried to figure out how to do it with no luck. So here goes the long way of doing it.

February 9th 2014 The State Journal letter to the Editor

Is it about the kids? A travesty in high school sports is about to be arranged. In the era of ESPN covering high school football and basketball signing day, it seems easy to overlook minor sports.

Although not nearly as celebrated or coveted, the high school wrestlers in our state just as hard as football and basketball players. They spend four, five, even six years trying to achieve a dream with much less pomp and circumstance than "signing day"... simply a shot at winning a state title. That being said, it seems a shame these athletes won't even be highlighted at this year's KHSAA state wrestling tournament.

Julian Tackett, commissioner of the KHSAA, has proposed changing the medal round format to include the championship match. That means all four matches (seventh, fifth, third, and first place) would happen simultaneously. In past years, the finals were wrestled as their own round. Each finalist was announced upon entering the arena, the mat was lot with a single spotlight, and the house lights were brought down to draw fans' attention to the last match of each weight class's season. Indeed, it was a setting befitting the gravity of the competition.

It's terrible that the culmination of a grueling competition and thousands of hours of hard work will not be highlighted for fans, coaches, and competitors to enjoy.

I would ask the KHSAA to step away from their role for a minute to view the event as those of us outside the administration do. From our perspective it seems obvious our state's most accomplished wrestlers should be highlighted in a match of their own. How could anyone argue that saving two hours is really worth doing away with such a cherished tradition?

Isn't it about the kids after all?

Written by Gary Lee of Lexington

I hope he sent a copy to Julian Tackett!  

Quarter sised medals , no respect for finalists some of whom have trained their whole lives in a sport that demands more from an athlete than any other school sport or activity , pretty bad I hear they want the celebration done away with , terrible people who make these decisions simply need replaced as they have no real concept about the sport it's fans or what they look for work for or expect.

Quarter sised medals , no respect for finalists some of whom have trained their whole lives in a sport that demands more from an athlete than any other school sport or activity , pretty bad I hear they want the celebration done away with , terrible people who make these decisions simply need replaced as they have no real concept about the sport it's fans or what they look for work for or expect.

The awards at the high school state tournament are an embarrassment. 

Yes kind of a let down ,

Coaches got nice plaques though .

My son was a KY MS State Champion last year and he was definitely treated better that the KY HS Champions! Nice singlet with 2013 State Finalist down the front, a huge medal and a large bracket to show who all he beat to become a KY MS State Champion. It is a shame that in KHSAA will glorify football and basketball to the inth degree but not value wrestling the same way.

Well time for parents / coaches / teams to step in and fix it if they have to each team should donate for medals of normal sise and a bracket , singlets for finalists are awesome .

You can't worry about what you can't control but you can worry about what you yourself can do always ways around issues

I will encourage my athletes and parents to not buy anything at the state tournament in protest.

I think we need to get politicians involved!

Getting people to not buy anything there will not be a problem but now I'm sure they will double check everyone and make sure no one brings in any drinks - food etc !

Let's setup a tailgate party outside the arena in the parking lot. We'll have brats, hotdogs,hanburgers, drinks and such. for anyone who does have to purchase a ticket, they can come outside and enjoy FREE refreshments.

This is the email that I just received from Mike Barren

Nothing done in the event management that the staff does here is done on a whim, it is carefully reviewed and considered, with the kids and safety elements being the number one concern. Any changes developed by the staff, factor in many more issues than a finals schedule.

We feel that this takes nothing away from the championship match and its competitors. They still get the recognition of being the two who wrestle for the title, whether it’s one of one match, or one of four matches. And they will get the ability to be the one standing on top of the podium as number one. And the only one able to say that.  As always, these events are reviewed in depth following each competition, and I am sure there will be such a review after this one as well. We will strive to find how we can increase the experience for everyone.

Hope you continue to support the event. Safe travels and stay warm.

And let me point out as I pointed out to bot him and Tacket, that the basketball teams at the sweet 16 tournament DO NOT play simultaneously on different courts to get that event done any faster.

Below is my letter to Mr. Tackett and Mr. Barren..... doubt anything will happen, but if enough people say something maybe it will.  I am going to send this to our local sports talk show and also to the Jay Mohr national talk show as well - he was a high school wrestler and talks about wresling several times.    

"Dear Mr. Tackett and Mr. Barren,

If you don't mind me asking what are the cost of the middle school medals.  We have done a sponsorship every year for the state wrestling tournament and if possible I would much rather donate money to buy quality medals.  Also what is the time frame on getting medals.

Don't know the cost of the middle school medals but the high school medals cost a whopping $2.38 each.  This amount came from the KHSAA website.

I contacted WKYT in Lexington yesterday afternoon.  Below is the response I got from them.  Sounds like the KHSAA is talking out of both sides of their mouth.  Telling parents and coaches one thing and the media another.........

Rob Bromley forwarded to me your email about the new format at the state wrestling championship.  I spoke to Joe Angolia, the KHSAA’s Sports Information Director.  He says Commissioner Juilan Tackett has received several emails and phone calls about the changes, and Tackett and assistant commissioner Michael Barren are in discussion about the changes.  Joe said the KHSAA will release a statement about the changes soon.

Don't know the cost of the middle school medals but the high school medals cost a whopping $2.38 each.  This amount came from the KHSAA website.

I would be surprised if they cost that much!! Embarrassing. If my kid ever places at state I will buy him a proper medal.

Done

https://www.facebook.com/pages/KHSAA/120082242482

Let KHSAA know how you feel. You can also rate them 1 to 5 stars haha.

Wow, they are spending a whole $267.00 on those medals.  At an entrance fee of $25.00 (I'm guessing at that) it only takes 10 1/2  spectators to pay for the medals.  Just think how much they will rake in next weekend.  Oh I know they have officials expenses, but there should be no overtime for KHSAA workers because it is part of their job!

If you don't mind me asking what are the cost of the middle school medals. We have done a sponsorship every year for the state wrestling tournament and if possible I would much rather donate money to buy quality medals. Also what is the time frame on getting medals.

The KHSAA just released this statement.

For nearly a year, the KHSAA staff has been working and preparing for the upcoming state wrestling tournament. After evaluating the last three to four years of tournament schedules and activity, three major problem areas were identified that needed immediate resolution:

• The “break” prior to the last wrestling round had to be eliminated, or certainly minimized. The circus atmosphere that had developed, which some may have viewed as fun, in fact resulted in at least five individuals being hit by thrown objects, including two police officers. Coaches and other adults refused to take charge of the situation, and in fact participated in many cases. And despite having more than double the security staff as had ever been in place in the previous facility, the situation came to a point where the future ability to retain security assistance from trained and sworn police officers was in jeopardy, as well as the future use of this venue. That concern had to be addressed.
• Many senior school administrators expressed concern that the lateness of the conclusion of action on Saturday, especially the last couple of years, put them in a position of having to stay an extra night in hotels, with the necessary supervision and expense logistics. While this may not be an issue for local schools in close proximity to the arena, it is a huge issue to the administrators who fund the housing, bus drivers, and other travel costs for a team that cannot make it back at a reasonable hour on Saturday, and therefore feel compelled to stay an extra night.
• The lateness of that Saturday hour also had another negative impact, although perhaps not as critical as the first two issues. Due to the lateness of the conclusion of wrestling, the students, coaches and everyone else involved with the tournament received much less of the promotion and media coverage that they so richly deserve and for which the staff spends nearly the entire year trying to generate. The lateness also has a profound impact on the ability to alternatively schedule should inclement weather occur, and this is a major concern for winter events.

These concerns were brought forth to a large number of people, including the Wrestling Advisory Committee (a group made up primarily of coaches), individuals from other states, national wrestling experts and many others. In the end, the coaches were steadfast that they desired to adhere to one of the fundamental principles from which the tournament schedule has always been drafted, allowing the coaches to not have to cover multiple mats during the medal rounds.

With that feedback, staff developed a revised schedule for 2014 that would have ensured the coaches covering only one mat during the medal round, but a schedule that would have combined the medal matches into a single round, and would have specifically addressed the three identified problem areas.

Once that information was finalized and produced in preparation for the state tournament, the members of the Advisory Committee received considerable feedback from the wrestling community asking that this decision be reconsidered. Committee members concurred with the need for immediate further revision to the schedule, even if it meant the coaches having to “double up” on simultaneous matches during the medal round.

Based on this request from the committee members to create a schedule where coaches might have wrestlers involved in matches on multiple mats during the medal round, staff has revised the planned schedule for the 2014 event in an effort to be responsive to the committee’s requests. The members of the committee also asked for an opportunity to emphasize to their traveling school parties about the need for a change in conduct. The schedule change however is for the 2014 tournament only, and the future schedule will be predicated on the ability of the three identified problem areas to be addressed within the schedule. Coaches and all adult attendees must insist that the conduct within the arena be controlled, respectable and befitting of the fine traditions of this great sport. Security will be directed to have a no-nonsense attitude about individuals throwing objects or inciting fans into negative and perhaps injurious behavior within the arena, and violators will be escorted out of the building. The schedule and adherence to the schedule will be closely monitored to determine any future enhancements or revisions. Suffice it to say that repeats of the identified problem areas again in 2014 will result in substantial changes for future years.

It is hoped by both the staff and the members of the committee that the problem areas can be addressed within the wrestling community and that the tournament can continue its growth and development for all involved.

So they're mad fans get into a frenzy before the finals begin. That's about all I took from that release.

So they're mad fans get into a frenzy before the finals begin. That's about all I took from that release.

I agree. As someone in another thread stated, much of the uproar and confusion could have been eliminated if the KHSAA had been upfront with the issues they felt needed addressed. They seem to have taken the long way around and put in place unnecessary mandates in order to address a problem that could have easily been solved with a candid conversation. They made time the scapegoat to justify a war on "the celebration."

There were two main issues. First and foremost was School Superintendents were not happy with how late things went and teams traveling. They were pushing for the KHSAA to make changes to the time table, any way possible, to ensure and earlier end. The other issue was safety before the finals. The great thing is we can fix the 2nd issue by not "partying" prior to the finals. The KHSAA and Coaches Association worked to fix the first issue the best we could.

Before we get in another precarious situation like we did this year can we come up with what is acceptable.  While the finals celebration has seemed to increase in intensity every year I believe some celebration is in order.  I have brought my fair share of beach balls, streamers, glow sticks for kids the past several years but agree toilet paper and other objects could cause problems.  cmccoy what would you deem acceptable?   Then we can get with our fans prior to the celebration and tell them what will and will not be tolerated.  As parents I guarantee we will not have a problem policing our kids before we let the state finals match not have its special place in the spot light. Lets not kill the excitement i.e. (beach balls)  just curtail it.   Thank you for your time.

Just so everyone understands the medals the KHSAA gives out for wrestling are the same size as the ones they give out for all other individual sports (they have to be for Title IX Compliance.)  They cant just give bigger medals in one sport and giving bigger medals will increase the cost in multiple sports and activities.  

The reason the Middle School Medals are "different" than the High School is that the middle school association is independent of the other sports and can do more things as far as awards.  

Before we get in another precarious situation like we did this year can we come up with what is acceptable.  While the finals celebration has seemed to increase in intensity every year I believe some celebration is in order.  I have brought my fair share of beach balls, streamers, glow sticks for kids the past several years but agree toilet paper and other objects could cause problems.  cmccoy what would you deem acceptable?   Then we can get with our fans prior to the celebration and tell them what will and will not be tolerated.  As parents I guarantee we will not have a problem policing our kids before we let the state finals match not have its special place in the spot light. Lets not kill the excitement i.e. (beach balls)  just curtail it.   Thank you for your time.

I dont understand why there needs to be a celebration of any kind, never understood the whole ordeal.  Its like its been acceptable to all participants/coaches and parents to act like misfits before the finals.  

So they're mad fans get into a frenzy before the finals begin. That's about all I took from that release.

Wouldnt you be?  Hosting a state Championship and fans and others act like misfits that never get out in public.  How does that make the sport look respectable?

Don't know the cost of the middle school medals but the high school medals cost a whopping $2.38 each.  This amount came from the KHSAA website.

More than that, however the MS association gets a very good deal by using the same vendor for those medals (plus districts, regionals, & State duals) and all the youth medals together in one package.  

I dont understand why there needs to be a celebration of any kind, never understood the whole ordeal.  Its like its been acceptable to all participants/coaches and parents to act like misfits before the finals. 

 And someone called me grumpier-of-old

If you think it will jeopardize the time table for next year.....don't do it. I f you have to ask will this go against what they want, than don't do it. I really don't know what can and can't be done. I do know this. While they are moving mats for Finals, we will be doing some awards so there probably won't be much time to start a big celebration.

Not for nothing...

This should be easily addressed with the coaches meeting/parents/team captainss etc.  The 'celebration' is a great time frame for the wrestlers who have become friends as well as opponents to socialize but there is absolutely no reason we can't police our own so to speak so that the 'celebration' gets out of hand to the point that the Final Match spotlight is threatened again.  We did our part as fans/parents/coaches/wrestlers etc. to get the spotlight back.  The powers that be made the change, now let's do our part so that we're not here again.

I have no doubt if we prove to the KHSAA that we can't handle the celebration period properly the next move they make will be fairly permanent.

I don't think we should make too big a fuss about the medals. My son wisely told me, "It's not the medal, it's the memory that's important." (Don't you hate when they start developing integrity--then use it against you?)

This is awesome now we don't have to wait as long after regionals until state , love Mother Nature !look at it this way now everyone can spend the night with their sweeties and no mommas will have to worry about their babies getting whooped up on on Valentines day

And the medals are an embarrassment to the sport, cudos to the kid with heart who simply loves the sport most would go out there and wrestle just to get their hands raised