http://khsaa.org/021815-state-wrestling-tournament-postponed/

Thank you KHSAA for working on this.

So they moved it two weeks ahead AND it will be a Tuesday and Wednesday? Terrible coordination IMO. Should move it to a different venue next weekend instead. Horse Park will see about a quarter of the crowd they would see normally and that normal isnt that great to begin with. Get rid of the Horse Park its a POS anyways, and not meant for wrestling .

The next three weeks will be a grind for some but in my opinion the right decision was made. The safety of all and the ability for all those who deserve to wrestle to get that chance is well received at least by me.

I have to disagree with this decision. I know many wrestlers already had important plans for these dates and being in the middle of the week will definitely drop attendance. I understand that there is no perfect solution, but I think the only thing worse than this would be cancelling it altogether. 

Congratulations KHSAA.  You did something right.  Postponement was the best option available.  This allows all kids who qualified to attend the event.  

Yes attendance may be down, but its not about the attendance its about all the kids getting to compete.  

Pinned500 What important plans could they have on Tue-Wed?  They should be in school most of those two days. What would you have them do? Continue to wrestle without about 25% of the kids being able to compete? 

Wow

I would have though that February  21st and 22nd would have been  much better plan. 

Fyi- the kywca (coaches association ) was not involved in any decisions made. We reached out to the khsaa, but they made no response.

Fuc* khsaa no back bones pos committee men.

So what were they supposed to do??  The sheer size of this event doesn't give you very many options.  Since they have no control over the weather, they are pretty much at the mercy of whatever venue that accommodate the event, and whatever dates they have available.  I think they've done the best they could with the lousy situation they were presented with.

Maybe now with the extra time, they can seed the tournament.

I know multiple wrestlers who had already paid for class trips during that week or had planned college visits. All i'm saying is that delaying it for this long brings up a lot of problems that I don't think were thought through. I'm sure there are plenty of wrestlers who were struggling to keep their weight down that now have to wait for 3 more weeks.

I could be wrong but I'd say they went with the easiest solution instead of working for the best solution. 3 weeks that's a long wait... But I could be wrong it's just my opinion. I can bet though that if it was the sweet 16 we was talking about they would be doing much more

This was a real bad decision, especially to have it in the middle of the week.  Everyone now has to change hotel reservations, request different times off of work, kids have to watch there weight longer.  This is all because some school could not practice this week. This is absurd.  This is also going to lower attendance and prevent some kids from going as their parents may not be able to get off of work.

Thank you CoachTeater for clearing that up. I am a coach on all 3 levels and Tackett blaming the KYWCA needs to be explained. For the commissioner to say that, and it not be true, calls for action. I am sure the KYWCA would have made arrangements to have the High School tourney. Tackett sucks!!

1.Sometimes I wish people in the wrestling community would get out of their own little bubble.

2.The safety of the wrestlers, fans, families and communities far outweigh the postponement of the state tournament.

3.To speak on something mentioned above, if a school district cancels all activities then athletes can not compete. If a school district were to sanction their athletes traveling in dangerous weather and something were to happen they could be held liable for that issue. It also wouldn't matter if an athlete made it or not, without a coach those athletes wouldn't be allowed to compete and I promise you if a coach defied that order they would be fired by the district in an instant.

4. For as much grief as we give the KHSAA they are not devoid of intelligent people do you think if a district banned their athletes from activities they wouldn't know????  Oh that's ok kid you are "champion" get out there and compete with no coach etc...

5. The KHSAA is under the control of the Kentucky Department of Education and they could be held liable as well.

The right decision for ALL was made. If you don't like it, that's just too bad.

Obviously you can't please everyone. Children's safety first. What is done is done. Now enjoy your family and the snow.

Does this also mean that the youth tournament that is supposed to take place on Sunday is not going on a scheduled?  If our high school kids cannot make a tournament for Friday & Saturday then how will the youth make it Sunday?  Just a question.

This was a real bad decision, especially to have it in the middle of the week.  Everyone now has to change hotel reservations, request different times off of work, kids have to watch there weight longer.  This is all because some school could not practice this week. This is absurd.  This is also going to lower attendance and prevent some kids from going as their parents may not be able to get off of work.

It's not just some schools, it's nearly every school in the state, some of which are dealing with big amounts of snow.  Sure some could have probably made it this weekend, but there would have been many that would have not been able to whether by being still snowed in, or not being allowed by the school district.  Also there is potentially more snow coming this weekend.  Yes attendance will be lower, but at least everyone will be able to compete.  I'd guess there weren't many options when trying to reschedule an event this large.

Does this also mean that the youth tournament that is supposed to take place on Sunday is not going on a scheduled?  If our high school kids cannot make a tournament for Friday & Saturday then how will the youth make it Sunday?  Just a question.

The youth tournament has the venue on Sunday and didn't want to move.

We tried to work cooperatively with another event that is scheduled for Sunday and rearrange schedules, but that group was unwilling to move, leaving us very few options.

Youth teams are club teams and are not bound by school decisions. These are parents driving their kids wherever they need to go in order to compete. 

Maybe now with the extra time, they can seed the tournament.

now that's funny....can of worms officially opened LOL

The postponement was the right choice however the date was a bad one.. now kids will miss 2 days of school or have to decide between another school activity or compete at state. It should have been kept as a Friday and Saturday deal

Does this also mean that the youth tournament that is supposed to take place on Sunday is not going on a scheduled?  If our high school kids cannot make a tournament for Friday & Saturday then how will the youth make it Sunday?  Just a question.

Update posted in the youth forum. 

I understand re scheduling because of safety but 3 weeks out and then decide to do it during the week. Really Do they not think that family's have to work during the week!! It sounds to me like they did not make any effort to find a alternate Venue. In fact the Kentucky convention center is Huge and could hold 8 mats easy. They normally have several events going on at the same time and I am sure they could have handle it.

1.Sometimes I wish people in the wrestling community would get out of their own little bubble.

2.The safety of the wrestlers, fans, families and communities far outweigh the postponement of the state tournament.

3.To speak on something mentioned above, if a school district cancels all activities then athletes can not compete. If a school district were to sanction their athletes traveling in dangerous weather and something were to happen they could be held liable for that issue. It also wouldn't matter if an athlete made it or not, without a coach those athletes wouldn't be allowed to compete and I promise you if a coach defied that order they would be fired by the district in an instant.

4. For as much grief as we give the KHSAA they are not devoid of intelligent people do you think if a district banned their athletes from activities they wouldn't know????  Oh that's ok kid you are "champion" get out there and compete with no coach etc...

5. The KHSAA is under the control of the Kentucky Department of Education and they could be held liable as well.

 

The right decision for ALL was made. If you don't like it, that's just too bad.

Wish they move it back to Frankfort! loved the atmosphere there.. And what time will it start since its a three day event now? wrestling Start late on the 9th and finals going to be a little earlier on the 11th?

I think the 9th is just a day to check weight and for coaches to meet just like Feb 19th was going to be.  Still a 2 day format, 6 mats. Finals at 6pm

Wish they move it back to Frankfort! loved the atmosphere there.. And what time will it start since its a three day event now? wrestling Start late on the 9th and finals going to be a little earlier on the 11th?

Set up only on 9th, wrestling as originally scheduled on 10th and 11th.

I think almost everyone wants to see it back in Frankfort but the KHSAA was insistent on shortning the tourny to two days (which was rediculous as other tounaments are 3 days+) and the Civic Center can't hold 8 mats.

Wow is all I can say.  

I personally hope that most of these negative comments are coming from High school kids.  I would hate to think that adults think that the KHSAA did not want the event to happen this weekend or close to this weekend.  KHSAA knows they are going to lose money now that the event is on Tue-Wed.  They did what they could in a short period of time and last minute.  

They had to get the info out as soon as possible so that cancellations could be made for this weekend and give people ample time to plan for the new date.  Many schools will not be in session until Monday or later and would not be able to get the changes needed from their school district fast enough.  Many may not know the process of getting funds for hotels, food and buses.  It usually takes a couple of days.  

Wish they move it back to Frankfort! loved the atmosphere there.. And what time will it start since its a three day event now? wrestling Start late on the 9th and finals going to be a little earlier on the 11th?

The atmosphere was great I admit.  But it was very dangerous.  The mats were to close to the stands and eventually someone was going to get hurt. 

How can anyone say that the safety of our wrestlers is the most important when the youth tournament is going as scheduled.  Is there safety not important.  This appears to be a political issue and not a safety issue.

Wish they move it back to Frankfort! loved the atmosphere there.. And what time will it start since its a three day event now? wrestling Start late on the 9th and finals going to be a little earlier on the 11th?

I think the 9th is the day they setup the arena. 

The actual wrestling will begin on the 10th and finish up on the 11th. 

I think the 9th is just a day to check weight and for coaches to meet just like Feb 19th was going to be.  Still a 2 day format, 6 mats. Finals at 6pm

Meaning you won't get out of there until 10 or so at night. Now kids who are traveling quite a bit of distance will probably miss Monday - Thursday.

How can anyone say that the safety of our wrestlers is the most important when the youth tournament is going as scheduled.  Is there safety not important.  This appears to be a political issue and not a safety issue.

The youth tournament is an even bigger logistical nightmare, with close to 1000 wrestlers.  There are only a handful of venues that can accommodate those numbers, probably none of which could be booked on an upcoming Sunday on short notice.  Also, there is a contract involved, that the KSWA probably couldn't afford to break (I'm just guessing here...plantman would be able to tell you the in and outs).  Finally, there are no issues with school districts providing transportation.....the parents provide all transportation, and all wrestlers and coaches are covered under USA wrestling which keeps the KSWA out of a liability situation.  

The KHSAA has to deal with a whole bunch of issues the the KSWA doesn't have to worry about.  In other words, just because the KSWA decided to move forward with this weekend, that doesn't mean the KHSAA could have as well....the two organizations are completely different beasts.

I know it's tough, be we have stop feeling like the KHSAA has it in for wrestling.  That belief and the anger and distrust directed at that them doesn't help wrestling's cause.

The youth tournament is an even bigger logistical nightmare, with close to 1000 wrestlers.  There are only a handful of venues that can accommodate those numbers, probably none of which could be booked on an upcoming Sunday on short notice.  Also, there is a contract involved, that the KSWA probably couldn't afford to break (I'm just guessing here...plantman would be able to tell you the in and outs).  Finally, there are no issues with school districts providing transportation.....the parents provide all transportation, and all wrestlers and coaches are covered under USA wrestling which keeps the KSWA out of a liability situation.  

 

The KHSAA has to deal with a whole bunch of issues the the KSWA doesn't have to worry about.  In other words, just because the KSWA decided to move forward with this weekend, that doesn't mean the KHSAA could have as well....the two organizations are completely different beasts.

 

I know it's tough, be we have stop feeling like the KHSAA has it in for wrestling.  That belief and the anger and distrust directed at that them doesn't help wrestling's cause.

This is exactly what I am talking about.  It should not matter how big of a logistical nightmare anything would be if it had to do with safety.  You hit the nail on the head when you said "contract involved."  That is what is important here not safety.  If rescheduling an event had to do with safety then the contract could be renegotiated with out penalty.  All this talk about kids not being able to make it, so many inches of snow (which we all in Kentucky received) sounds like excuses.  To address the transportation issues.  Most parents will be bring their high school kid to this tournament just like the youth tournament.  Again sound like excuses.

I guess the tickets we have already purchased will be honored.

This is exactly what I am talking about.  It should not matter how big of a logistical nightmare anything would be if it had to do with safety.  You hit the nail on the head when you said "contract involved."  That is what is important here not safety.  If rescheduling an event had to do with safety then the contract could be renegotiated with out penalty.  All this talk about kids not being able to make it, so many inches of snow (which we all in Kentucky received) sounds like excuses.  To address the transportation issues.  Most parents will be bring their high school kid to this tournament just like the youth tournament.  Again sound like excuses.

Maybe I missed it, but what in your mind does the KHSAA gain politically by postponing the tourney??  How do they benefit??  The very real possibility existed that if the event went ahead as scheduled, many wrestlers would not have been able to go....whether it was transportation issues or even the school district decreeing that they could not travel.  I know this isn't ideal, but if they went forward with the event, and many couldn't make it, the outcry would have been huge and the quality of the tournament severely diminished due to missing wrestlers and wrestlers who hadn't practiced much.  

The youth event doesn't have nearly the outside issues (ie school districts) to deal with, and they get an additional 3 (and for some 4) days before they have to travel.  

I have been involved in wrestling in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina for almost 50 years now.

Holy Smokes, this is the first time I have ever known a state tournament cancelled or postponed.

Absolutely Extraordinary!!!!!

My issue is not just the weight control, because teams that have a full squad will have plenty of workout partners in the wrestling room.  However, match-level conditioning will be a challenge.  IMO, An even bigger issue than that will be the time lag between competitive matches - and the risk that some kids will not be as sharp as they would have been with a series of competitions leading up to the show.

Still, part of being a champion is adapting.  Good luck between now and state, guys.

Does anyone know if kids can compete in off season tournaments during this downtime??

From what I understand representatives from Union County have reached out to the KHSAA office and offered the John Arnold Arena for next weekend. Doubt they will change what they have already set though.

Ill weigh in here, KHSAA made the right call. A hard decision had to be made and the pros out weigh the cons. You know wrestling is not going to overlap the Girls Sweet 16, and unlike "youth" events, most wrestlers travel by team bus, not parents because of liability. As for cutting weight, most kids are wrestling closer to natural weight than in the past. Actually this will probably raise the quality of wrestling because kids will get over injuries, bodies and minds will be fresh and will go harder. Unfortunatly the world is bigger than wrestling and we all have to fit in. 

Honestly we need to start later in the season, starting winter sports on the secon week of December and finishing on the second week of March but thats my crazy opinion and yes its because of football.

I doubt if you can compete in off season right now but I don't think this has ever happened. 

This is NOT in the best interest of the KHSAA from any standpoint, money, logistics etc.   What's done is done and quit complaining about it.  

I would be more concerned about the wrestlers, peaking out and weight control.  This could definitely have a big X factor in that the kids that have trained and are peaking at the right time, need to make adjustments quickly.  For those that have written the season off and already peaked out, time to regroup thoughts and mind set tonmake another run.  For those that have not peaked out this season, it could be your lucky day.  

Overcome adversity and the mind right.  Everyone is in the same boat!  Good luck boys.  

From what I understand representatives from Union County have reached out to the KHSAA office and offered the John Arnold Arena for next weekend. Doubt they will change what they have already set though.

not enough hotel space in Morganfield for a state tournament. 

Good move KHSAA..!!! Deal with it ..!!!

You guys never disappoint!   No one likes the situation or the terrible roads and we are all sick of the snow!   While waiting a couple weeks isn't ideal, KHSAA had to make a decision quickly (since we are only a day away from people traveling to Lexington) in an effort to best insure the safety and ability of all competitors to compete.   I don't like the change any more than anyone... but I also don't know how much snow every city or county is dealing with.  I know my yard has about 14 inches of snow as of about 30 minutes ago and it is still snowing here.   While I may be able to get to Lexington, I don't have mountains and back roads to contend with and am only 45 minutes from the Park.   KHSAA is trying to do the best they can in a really bad and ridiculously abnormal situation.   It is done ... complaining isn't helping.   Let's be adults, show kids that shit happens and it's how you deal with it that determines a person's character... and ultimately makes the difference.  Let's look for ways to try to help the kids maintain their weight and stay in shape.   I think some open mats where ever possible would be the way to go.  Can't have competitions/duals/tournaments and take a chance kids get hurt and can't complete at state... that would really become an issue.   I am more concerned that kids without opportunities to work out won't be in their best shape at state and could get hurt.  Let's hope the Athletic Directors find gym time for the teams to practice between now and March 9th.  

On another note... the youth tournament is not a state or school sponsored/sanctioned organization.   If they choose to continue their event that's their organization's leadership decision.  Comparing the decisions they make to decisions regarding a high school state tournament is apples to oranges... move on... please!

Also... just for the record... not all schools have buses take their kids to competitions... many have parents and coaches drive the kids.  Another argument that makes no difference in the decision or discussion.

Just one Mom's opinion!

Hardly a good move ,over two weeks away and in the middle of the week what a bunch of winners Ky must have at the helm ,kids would have been happier in a HS arena on the weekend with the stands full ,horrible and yes it does happen deal with it its the :&&:& Winter in a Winter Sport

B safe keep training

Hardly a good move ,over two weeks away and in the middle of the week what a bunch of winners Ky must have at the helm ,kids would have been happier in a HS arena on the weekend with the stands full ,horrible and yes it does happen deal with it its the :&&:& Winter in a Winter Sport

Except no high school gym could accommodate the number of mats or the fans, and people would complain about how crowded and hot it was, and that it took so long to finish.  

I personally think this is another direct reflection of our current leadership from KHSAA.  KHSAA knows they will make money either way.  Not as much maybe during the week, but money will be made.  It’s just sad that we are doing it during a time that doesn’t allow those people that attend every year to be in attendance, and maybe those who don’t have kids in it-but attend will not be able to do so because it’s during the middle of the week.  Schools will not allow kids to attend either, unless they are competing.  It’s not like basketball & football those that choose to attend will have to say they are sick or have parent notes.  Find it funny in all they years I have been a part of wrestling, that the things that I currently see have shown that our current KHSAA leader doesn’t care to speak up for what is right for our sport.  For those that remember, it’s that same leader that decided to have multiple mats go at the same time during the finals.  Is that what is good for wrestling?  He thought it was and he is in charge of our sport.  Its only going to get worse, I’m afraid.  If we are going to make a difference where it counts, it will have to be by voicing your opinion to those that can decide, those in charge of our sport.  I’m not saying the state tournament shouldn’t have been pushed back.  I’m saying that to put it in a spot that spectators and competitors are forced to wait another three weeks, along with being in the middle of the school/work week is not in the best interest of the sport.  Our new leadership does what it wants! Don’t be fooled into thinking different, why else does he continue to cancel the Coaches meeting every year since he has been in office?  Never fails same tune different year, don’t want to hear what a crappy job he is doing from those that are a part of the sport.  Afraid to say that, until this is changes, these are the DARK AGES OF WRESTLING…..

Tuesday/Wednesday really sucks! I get why it's been postponed, just really hate the mid week dates. Very unfair to kids, parents, and idle wrestling fans. I'd love some real transparency as to why another venue couldn't be used on a Friday/Saturday within the next couple weeks. Also, how could a contingency plan not be in place for a February event. Yes they made decisions on the fly, but why did they have to in he first place? Did I mention Tuesday/Wednesday sucks?!?!

I personally think this is another direct reflection of our current leadership from KHSAA.  KHSAA knows they will make money either way.  Not as much maybe during the week, but money will be made.  It’s just sad that we are doing it during a time that doesn’t allow those people that attend every year to be in attendance, and maybe those who don’t have kids in it-but attend will not be able to do so because it’s during the middle of the week.  Schools will not allow kids to attend either, unless they are competing.  It’s not like basketball & football those that choose to attend will have to say they are sick or have parent notes.  Find it funny in all they years I have been a part of wrestling, that the things that I currently see have shown that our current KHSAA leader doesn’t care to speak up for what is right for our sport.  For those that remember, it’s that same leader that decided to have multiple mats go at the same time during the finals.  Is that what is good for wrestling?  He thought it was and he is in charge of our sport.  Its only going to get worse, I’m afraid.  If we are going to make a difference where it counts, it will have to be by voicing your opinion to those that can decide, those in charge of our sport.  I’m not saying the state tournament shouldn’t have been pushed back.  I’m saying that to put it in a spot that spectators and competitors are forced to wait another three weeks, along with being in the middle of the school/work week is not in the best interest of the sport.  Our new leadership does what it wants! Don’t be fooled into thinking different, why else does he continue to cancel the Coaches meeting every year since he has been in office?  Never fails same tune different year, don’t want to hear what a crappy job he is doing from those that are a part of the sport.  Afraid to say that, until this is changes, these are the DARK AGES OF WRESTLING…..

You must not have been around in the 80's when the state tourney was held at a high school.  Not to mention that the high school it was held in did NOT have a team, or that school was still in session when the tourney was going on. 

Also wrestling was on the brink of not being sanctioned by KHSAA, the number of schools were bordering the minimum required to sanction the sport. (Truth be told they were probably below the minimum but some schools said they had wrestling but did not field a team all year)

Those were the DARK AGES OF WRESTLING.  

You must not have been around in the 80's when the state tourney was held at a high school.  Not to mention that the high school it was held in did NOT have a team, or that school was still in session when the tourney was going on. 

 

Also wrestling was on the brink of not being sanctioned by KHSAA, the number of schools were bordering the minimum required to sanction the sport. (Truth be told they were probably below the minimum but some schools said they had wrestling but did not field a team all year)

 

Those were the DARK AGES OF WRESTLING.  

I was present in the 80's.  School was blocked off from the tournament, the gym was to the left as you walk into Athens school.   Along with the school not having kids wrestling in tournament, they still held it on the weekend. Kids, parents, wrestlers, fans, and whoever could attend.  This is a poor attempt to just say they tried.  You can't honestly agree that a Tuesday/Wednesday Tournament is worse then the 80's wrestling?  Better yet Wrestler from the 80's, the question I have for you is... how many mats were used in the finals of the 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's.  It wasn't until last year that anyone considered doing it on multiple mats.  Even then, they still understood the greatness these young men achieved, and how important it was.  So, yes this would be the DARK AGES not based off numbers, but rather the people in charge looking at this as one thing to check off their list before the real winter sport takes place.

My real question in all this is what different do you think should have been done?

Do you think the KHSAA should have a second site booked just in case of inclimate weather?

Do you think they could make a contract with another venue at the last minute with new vendors and a new contract?  

Do you think they should have went ahead with the state tourney as scheduled and not have several dozen wrestlers not attend?

Do you think they should have convinced Alteck to cancel their weekend event so that it could be held next weekend?  

Do you think they should have cancelled the whole thing all together?  

Yes wrestling at Atherton high school in the 80's is worse than wrestling on tue-wed.  Heck they hold the sweet 16 in basketball on the weekdays. Wed 1st game 12 last game 8. Thur. same as Wed. 

Bye the way I truly believe the attempt to have the finals on more than one mat was a bluff to get what they really wanted.  They wanted more control of the crowd that was getting out of hand.  

1. Make every attempt to reschedule on friday/saturday....maybe they did. But I highly doubt they didn't consider Louisville venues.

2. Not booked, but a late February contingency plan absolutely.

3. No

4. No

5. No

Obviously I was not privy to all of the behind the scenes discussions, BUT as coaches on this site have confirmed, they were not asked for their input. As I said earlier, tell us what options were considered. How many venue options were exhausted before arriving at a mid week decison? Just tell the coaches and the info will filter to everyone. Maybe a little understanding will go a long way on this subject.

Obviously I was not privy to all of the behind the scenes discussions, BUT as coaches on this site have confirmed, they were not asked for their input. As I said earlier, tell us what options were considered. How many venue options were exhausted before arriving at a mid week decison? Just tell the coaches and the info will filter to everyone. Maybe a little understanding will go a long way on this subject.

Not sure I agree that the coaches should have had an input. 

I do agree that a little more info would go a long way.  But I, unlike the majority who have posted, will believe they tried several other options before coming to this conclusion.  I could be completely wrong but until proven otherwise I will believe the best. 

Truth be told I'm just glad the state tourney is going to happen and these kids have a chance to compete. (Glass half full)

We will have to agree to disagree on the Athens tournament in all the years I attend I never felt that.  I would agree with Firemans34 you always have to have a fall plan.  If you put all your eggs in one basket, well then your wrestling during baseball season

Maybe and thats a big maybe.  If all this goes without a hitch.  KHSAA may realize that they can hold two post seasons at the same time, and wrestling will get moved till the beginning of March. 

Not sure I agree that the coaches should have had an input. 

 

I do agree that a little more info would go a long way.  But I, unlike the majority who have posted, will believe they tried several other options before coming to this conclusion.  I could be completely wrong but until proven otherwise I will believe the best. 

 

Truth be told I'm just glad the state tourney is going to happen and these kids have a chance to compete. (Glass half full)

And that's what is important. It seems like many wouldn't have been happy no matter what happened. Again, as a group we need to lose the "woe is us attitude". As flawed as the KHSAA may be, they are not out to destroy wrestling. Yes they may not totally understand it, but too many of us are just so quick to flame every decision, and look for the negative. They do listen when we have a sensible argument....last years finals issue was addressed and taken care of, but we still complain like it wasn't. I'm with GOO. I think they did everything they could given the situation. There was no solution that would please everyone. As far as having a fallback plan, I'm not sure that any venue large enough to hold the event, would keep a date open for a just in case scenario, that as far as I know has never happened. And yes the weekday option is not ideal. But as was mentioned, every other sport holds weekday games during their championship sweet 16, even basketball. People take off for that, and with 3 weeks notice people will take off for this. And basketball fans freaked out last year when the final was held on a Sunday instead of a Saturday double header and that people wouldn't come. And guess what they did....because they are fans.

Our job is to grow and support the sport and the more time we spend complaining about how much the KHSAA hates wrestling the more ridiculous we look as a group. This is sport is growing here..look at all the training facilities and options we have available now. This sport has never been stronger...let's embrace and celebrate that instead of constantly complaining.

Maybe and thats a big maybe.  If all this goes without a hitch.  KHSAA may realize that they can hold two post seasons at the same time, and wrestling will get moved till the beginning of March. 

Or Maybe, again a big maybe, the KHSAA finds that they can make just as much money paying reduced rental fee’s to Alltech during the week and we are stuck with during the week state tournaments for a while.

The whole thing stinks for everyone involved.

• It stinks for the coaches who might have been looking forward to spending time at home with their families after a long trying season.
• It stinks for the wrestlers who had the state tournament circled on their calendar as the last time they have to weigh in for the year.  Or if they had college visits, other sports, vacations, etc. planned for after the season ended.  Now they have to risk injury for 3 more weeks to prep for something that was ripped from them.
• It stinks for the fans/spectators that won’t be able to make a mid-week state tournament.  My heart goes out to those that had family coming in from long distances to watch the tournament.  Cancelling travel is never fun and sometimes financially frustrating.
• It stinks for the officials/table workers.  Taking 1 day of vacation to work the state tournament is one thing.  Taking 2 in the middle of the week – something else entirely.

I agree that we are in a sad time in Kentucky wrestling.  The state of Kentucky is producing top talent year over year.   What do the top talent get to show off their talent…  A dirt horse track covered by some plastic on a Tuesday afternoon with minimal attendance.  If you make the finals…. You get a mat off center without spotlights and little to no fan fare.  Check out an Ohio or Indiana state final… ours since moving to the horse park – a joke is putting it nicely.

Lastly, who in the heck doesn’t have a contingency plan for something like this!  How is there not a backup plan?  I don’t for a second believe this was the plan in place in case of emergency – not even the KHSAA is that stupid.

If my opinion mattered and Barrens/Tackett asked me prior to their announcement, here would be my response - Do it in a high school gym make it three days, do whatever you need to do, but do it sooner, not later.

Well said bestmistake33

I think its great that some coaches get to spend 3 more weeks with their wrestlers training when maybe they would be taking a break and not seeing them again until Oct 15

I think its great that some wrestlers (seniors) get to prolong their final season, one which they hopped would never end. 

I think its great that they didn't do it in a high school gym so that wrestlers don't have to say "man we are so low on the totum pole that we had our state tourney in a high school gym. 

Glass half full. 

Goo i believe in alot of things you say but from the wrestlers i have talked to(which is the most important people)they don't like the extended season

With the exception of the last statement I'm just trying to put a positive spin on a bad situation that was (As insurance companies put it) an act of god (the snow i'm referring to)

I agree best case scenario is to hold the tourney the next weekend.  I just don't believe it was possible unless it was done in a high school gym.  If that was the only option then I would prefer to postpone a few weeks. 

I see your point. I know i am trying to make the best of a bad situation,my son was really upset but in a couple days i am sure he'll be over it. I told him INDY nationals were sunday and if he felt like he needed some matches that was an option.But i am not sure if its against our rules or not.Actually if someone wanted a good trip they could go to Indy Saturday and watch their state championships then stay alnight and wrestle sunday.

Bestmistake33 you echoe the sentiment of most of us common sense people in the state. Unfortunately we have a bunch of whiners that cant deal with a little winter and goofballs that dont care about the sport making the decisions.

FWIW, the school that hosted the State meet is Atherton.

I am a'91 grad and wrestled them. I think it was the late'90's when they didn't field some teams.

I don't envy the committee that had to make the decision to move the event.  Tough call to make knowing that you were going to tick off a lot of people regardless of your decision.  I just would have liked to seen communication that said "listen we tried to book the event here, here, and here for this weekend that weekend or another", or if it simply (as i suspect) comes down to a $ decision, then an honest communication of "we have a contract with alltech arena that we would have lost an unrecoverable amount of $ on if we didn't re-book there".

Clarity in communication is key.

Another thing - not listening to or tapping the coaches association for feedback?  You kidding me?  They want to act like business people at the KHSAA - then do it.  How hard would it have been to setup a 1 hour call, listen to the coaches association and then make your decision.  Even if you are listening to them with your mind made up, you are at least showing that you are respectful of the coaches (and via the coach, the wrestlers) wishes.  Something has to change about that.  Bad business.

Even if you are listening to them with your mind made up, you are at least showing that you are respectful of the coaches (and via the coach, the wrestlers) wishes.  Something has to change about that.  Bad business.

Completely disagree...have you ever been on the receiving end of one of those?  I have & it stinks!  The only thing worse than having no input is "thinking" you have some input when in reality, you have none.  It is not respectful to 'listen' to someone w/your mind already made-up...it's deceitful.

I personally think this is another direct reflection of our current leadership from KHSAA.  KHSAA knows they will make money either way.  Not as much maybe during the week, but money will be made.  It’s just sad that we are doing it during a time that doesn’t allow those people that attend every year to be in attendance, and maybe those who don’t have kids in it-but attend will not be able to do so because it’s during the middle of the week.  Schools will not allow kids to attend either, unless they are competing.  It’s not like basketball & football those that choose to attend will have to say they are sick or have parent notes.  Find it funny in all they years I have been a part of wrestling, that the things that I currently see have shown that our current KHSAA leader doesn’t care to speak up for what is right for our sport.  For those that remember, it’s that same leader that decided to have multiple mats go at the same time during the finals.  Is that what is good for wrestling?  He thought it was and he is in charge of our sport.  Its only going to get worse, I’m afraid.  If we are going to make a difference where it counts, it will have to be by voicing your opinion to those that can decide, those in charge of our sport.  I’m not saying the state tournament shouldn’t have been pushed back.  I’m saying that to put it in a spot that spectators and competitors are forced to wait another three weeks, along with being in the middle of the school/work week is not in the best interest of the sport.  Our new leadership does what it wants! Don’t be fooled into thinking different, why else does he continue to cancel the Coaches meeting every year since he has been in office?  Never fails same tune different year, don’t want to hear what a crappy job he is doing from those that are a part of the sport.  Afraid to say that, until this is changes, these are the DARK AGES OF WRESTLING…..

With what KHSAA tried to pull last year.. by trying to have the finals run at the same time was a huge indication of how they feel about the sport of wrestling..The only thing that STOPPED it from happening is the OUT CRY of the wrestling Community... with that said, I have never in all my years in wrestling seen State tournament cancelled for any reason.. what is done is done.. But I do feel they did not put much effort for the BEST Ideal situation for the reschedule.. You open a whole new can of worms to know that Youth wrestling will continue as scheduled on Sunday..NOOOO KHSAA DOES NOT HAVE WRESTLING BEST INTEREST.. THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT ALREADY.. I do believe Safety first.

Until you are an athletic administrator then you don't understand the challenges of running a complete program. Even though we have a passionate fan base, we still are at the next to the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to participation, attendance and general fans following. No programs in the fourth largest area of the state (Bowling Green). Our state finals only draw between 3-4k fans. At least with Mr. Tackett, we got the tournament out of Atherton, 32 man brackets, and a better wrestling committee that actually meets instead of of just listening to one or two guys that were way pass their prime. Don't blame the KHSAA on this decision. it's just bad luck and if only one kid had to miss out of wrestling in the state tournament because it was held while athletes were not allowed to travel because of weather then I really praise the decision. I know if this happened in the mid 80's, they would have just cancelled by order of the lady that damaged the sport the most (Alice McDonald, education overlord that made the state tournament in to a 8 man one day tournament) Yeah their are cons in how we do things in this state when it comes to wrestling but we came as close as you could in loosing our sport in 91/92 and with out Tackett listening to Parks, Bankemper, Powell, Coomes and other committee members then. we wouldnt be here.

Until you are an athletic administrator then you don't understand the challenges of running a complete program. Even though we have a passionate fan base, we still are at the next to the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to participation, attendance and general fans following. No programs in the fourth largest area of the state (Bowling Green). Our state finals only draw between 3-4k fans. At least with Mr. Tackett, we got the tournament out of Atherton, 32 man brackets, and a better wrestling committee that actually meets instead of of just listening to one or two guys that were way pass their prime. Don't blame the KHSAA on this decision. it's just bad luck and if only one kid had to miss out of wrestling in the state tournament because it was held while athletes were not allowed to travel because of weather then I really praise the decision. I know if this happened in the mid 80's, they would have just cancelled by order of the lady that damaged the sport the most (Alice McDonald, education overlord that made the state tournament in to a 8 man one day tournament) Yeah their are cons in how we do things in this state when it comes to wrestling but we came as close as you could in loosing our sport in 91/92 and with out Tackett listening to Parks, Bankemper, Powell, Coomes and other committee members then. we wouldnt be here.

Great post.  It will probably get you called a goofball or nazi.  Despite what many think, wrestling is getting stronger and growing under the "draconian" rule of the KHSAA.  We should be focused on doing our job....supporting, teaching and promoting the sport.  But if all we do is complain, b*tch, moan and accuse the world of being against us, how can we expect anyone to ever listen to us??

GOO these young bucks on this site don't understand do they. I remember at Atherton when the state tournament came to a halt because a coach ate a potato chip before the hospitality room was officially opened. Funny and that persons sons are wrestling in this years tourney. 

I would hope in the future there will be some sort of contingency plans in place to prevent a repeat of this sad affair.

  Talk about logistics problems, I have made plans to be in Columbus Oh.  March 7th & 8th Ohio St. is hosting the Big 10 Championships. and I am going to have to come up with some story to tell my boss for the 10th and 11th. not to mention my wife!

   Oh boy.........  anyone have any ideas?

I would hope in the future there will be some sort of contingency plans in place to prevent a repeat of this sad affair.

Talk about logistics problems, I have made plans to be in Columbus Oh. March 7th & 8th Ohio St. is hosting the Big 10 Championships. and I am going to have to come up with some story to tell my boss for the 10th and 11th. not to mention my wife!

Oh boy......... anyone have any ideas?

rjs - never been called a Nazi before but goofball and other colorful adjectives. Been cursed by Coach Krazegic, told to stay here while a Sheldon Clark fan goes gets his rifle. Canter/Paden accidentally threw/kicked a chair at me and a coach from Valley stood up in the middle of the bleachers in my own gym and preached to the crowd how we mathematically knew how we were going to win tournament and running the evil empire. So I just take things with a smile. 

How about when a kid did not get his 2nd place medal because he ran off the mat after losing and came within 3 feet of the commissioner? (I know you remember this one )

depperschmit- watch the beginning of Ferris Bueller and pick up some pointers

in this state when it comes to wrestling but we came as close as you could in loosing our sport in 91/92 and with out Tackett listening to Parks, Bankemper, Powell, Coomes and other committee members then. we wouldn't be here.

^^

Biged--that's my point exactly! They listened to people who matter in this sport and good things came from it!

How about when a kid did not get his 2nd place medal because he ran off the mat after losing and came within 3 feet of the commissioner? (I know you remember this one )

oh dont get me started on that GOO. was a good hurdle though. punctuated a good weekend for Louis Stout.

GOO- a little side story that the people did not know about that, I found him outside stripped down to his boxers and he looked at me and said He just did want people see him get upset and do something unsportsmanlike like. Yeah it took away a second State Runner up trophy away after his team points were taken away. Not defending his actions but he was actually was sportsman like. All he really did was leave the gym so no one would see his temper and emotion. Never cursed, never got violent until he came back and found out he was DQed. The only thing he actually did wrong and the referee admitted that he made a mistake was the handshake and end of match procedure. He actually finished it by the rule book but the referee did realize the words of the rule accutualy 2 rules. Poor guy was a nice guy but never refereed again.

oh dont get me started on that GOO. was a good hurdle though. punctuated a good weekend for Louis Stout.

Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

As far as the KHSAA's decision to move the tourney goes ... IMHO, if they didn't move it when they did, then that would say to me that they didn't have the best interests at heart for the sport. But since it was moved for the safety of athletes/coaches and spectators/other folks alike, they were thinking of what was best.

I know having the tourney during the week isn't ideal, but it's better than simply not having it.

oh dont get me started on that GOO. was a good hurdle though. punctuated a good weekend for Louis Stout.

Very impressive hurdle and a good kid to boot. he got caught up in the moment.

We knew it was not good when the garbage cans started flying.

I know it's easy to bash the KHSAA leadership, and I'm not here to defend them.  It does bother me that the wrestling background is missing from the leadership group that makes decisions for our sport.  How hard would it be to find a reputable, successful, and experienced wrestling coach to take the reigns as commissioner of wrestling for the KHSAA?

I also hope someone will keep track of participant numbers, particularly those who drop out due to moving the tournament to the second week of March.  Some will drop because they have moved on to baseball / track season, others because they simply ran out of gas in February, and I can't help but think that others will drop because they simply don't want to manage their weight for another three weeks.  I don't know what better scenario is out there, but moving the tourney until mid-March will be especially hard on some wrestlers (and coaches).   

I know it's easy to bash the KHSAA leadership, and I'm not here to defend them. It does bother me that the wrestling background is missing from the leadership group that makes decisions for our sport. How hard would it be to find a reputable, successful, and experienced wrestling coach to take the reigns as commissioner of wrestling for the KHSAA?

I also hope someone will keep track of participant numbers, particularly those who drop out due to moving the tournament to the second week of March. Some will drop because they have moved on to baseball / track season, others because they simply ran out of gas in February, and I can't help but think that others will drop because they simply don't want to manage their weight for another three weeks. I don't know what better scenario is out there, but moving the tourney until mid-March will be especially hard on some wrestlers (and coaches).

I know it's easy to bash the KHSAA leadership, and I'm not here to defend them.  It does bother me that the wrestling background is missing from the leadership group that makes decisions for our sport.  How hard would it be to find a reputable, successful, and experienced wrestling coach to take the reigns as commissioner of wrestling for the KHSAA?

 

I also hope someone will keep track of participant numbers, particularly those who drop out due to moving the tournament to the second week of March.  Some will drop because they have moved on to baseball / track season, others because they simply ran out of gas in February, and I can't help but think that others will drop because they simply don't want to manage their weight for another three weeks.  I don't know what better scenario is out there, but moving the tourney until mid-March will be especially hard on some wrestlers (and coaches).   

Hopefully the coaches of all sports their kids are involved in can come to some sort of understanding. I know Coach Pike at Central Hardin has already talked to the baseball coach about one of his kids splitting time during the week between both sports, and I believe they can avoid conflict and work it out.

should we expect a lot of no-shows for State. Is this the year where a number of 5 seeds get opportunities to wrestle at state? It would be a shame for a dual sport athlete to have miss state due to Spring sport commitments.

We could see some no-shows, but I don't think the number will be that great.

Very impressive hurdle and a good kid to boot. he got caught up in the moment.

We knew it was not good when the garbage cans started flying.

garbage cans flew after he got dqed

I know it's easy to bash the KHSAA leadership, and I'm not here to defend them.  It does bother me that the wrestling background is missing from the leadership group that makes decisions for our sport.  How hard would it be to find a reputable, successful, and experienced wrestling coach to take the reigns as commissioner of wrestling for the KHSAA?

 

I also hope someone will keep track of participant numbers, particularly those who drop out due to moving the tournament to the second week of March.  Some will drop because they have moved on to baseball / track season, others because they simply ran out of gas in February, and I can't help but think that others will drop because they simply don't want to manage their weight for another three weeks.  I don't know what better scenario is out there, but moving the tourney until mid-March will be especially hard on some wrestlers (and coaches).   

Commissioner/ Asst Comm usually is in charge of more than one sport. Thats why they have advisory committees . 

one thing I wonder and I'm sure he covered this base, How does the Head of education feel about a Tues/Weds tourney? I hate to see the boys in Frankfort weigh in. 

THE Wrestling God's extended the year so

ATM COULD HAVE THE LONGEST HIGH SCHOOL WINNING STREAK EVER , AND SO EVERYONE WOULD HAVE TO TRAIN A BIT LONGER .Who cares about other sports almost every state in the country wrestles later than Kentucky does , some teams still have points left they should get to use them .Some really ridiculous comments about other sports interfering , almost as ridiculous as having a state championship in the middle of the week .Train hard because hard core is coming

one thing I wonder and I'm sure he covered this base, How does the Head of education feel about a Tues/Weds tourney? I hate to see the boys in Frankfort weigh in. 

I'd say they sought input from the state board, or at least hope they did.

Wrestling on Tuesday or Wednesday should not be a problem the basketball tourneys are played during the day