Over heard rumors that the state finals would be changing locations.  Is this wishful thinking, or reality? 

This was the last year of the current contract. 

Rumors are true. It could still be back there but there are other venues that have sent in their bids already to host. 

I have heard Corbin arena next year and then maybe somewhere else (freedom hall?) later on.

2 minutes ago, HawkeyeX125 said:

I have heard Corbin arena next year and then maybe somewhere else (freedom hall?) later on.

I heard Murray State was a real possibility. Owensboro Sports Center as well. 

Owensboro is not a possibility. The venue is too small. Don't want Corbin- no wrestling in the area and not sure how the racial makeup of some of our teams would go over. in that area of the state. js

Murray would be cool, but the distance for other parts of the state wouldn't go over very well. I would think with the State tournament being moved back a week wouldn't Freedom Hall work? Lots of hotels in the area. Just need to get the parking situation fixed. 

Corbin would be really bad for the sport

I have heard Corbin as well and Freedom Hall may be too large. Some have suggested Broadbent Arena where they have the Middle School Finals, but it could be a bit tight. Something centrally located would be great so the schools in the Eastern and Western parts of the state do not have to drive forever to get there.

10 minutes ago, 8798 said:

I have heard Corbin as well and Freedom Hall may be too large. Some have suggested Broadbent Arena where they have the Middle School Finals, but it could be a bit tight. Something centrally located would be great so the schools in the Eastern and Western parts of the state do not have to drive forever to get there.

Freedom Hall did really well when it hosted the National Duals. It held 10 mats. With the growth of Girls wrestling, we would be able to host both tournaments at the same time. 

It needs to be tight; Let’s fill the stands and make it loud!  Broadbent I think would work as spectators on the floor wouldn’t impact the viewing of those in seats.  

Corbin is horrible.

I was told over the weekend bowling green is in the mix by someone.

venue has to be big enough to hold both guys and girls. 

Freedom hall would be great but they have to get parking Prices right.

Broadbent Arena is a horrible filthy mess.  If you think the dirt at the Horse Park is bad, try the seats and everything else at Broadbent.  Factor in virtually no consessions, less seats than Alltech and the fact you are not allowed to leave once you park and this would be a very bad choice.  Broadbent is OK for MS but Not good enough for HS.  

Freedom Hall looks nice with the mats set-up. Doing the girls there together would be great. 

Going to Broadbent/Freedom hall may be a challenge unless they change the HS Schedule, as of now its booked that some weekend every year. Plus you have 2 other big events in Louisville that weekend.  

Im all for Freedom hall btw.  

I had heard BB&T arena in NKY put in a bid as well. 

I'm ready for a change. I really liked Broadbent's setup. Murray is a long drive for some, but could be nice. 

Broadbent has worked well for our middle school and youth but as some have stated,  it has little to no concessions, the parking and the entry is horrible for the fans, access to the stands are from the competition floor only. Even with security, it is a logistic headache. No place for staging or warm up mats unless it’s out on the floor similar to horse park. Freedom Hall seems like the best option as long as parking and re entry is worked out to allow people to come and go freely. Plenty of hotels. Main highways from every part of the state leading in and out, and hotel and restaurants everywhere for the teams and fans. 

Y’all think we will be back at horse park? I hated it there.

13 hours ago, 8798 said:

I have heard Corbin as well and Freedom Hall may be too large. Some have suggested Broadbent Arena where they have the Middle School Finals, but it could be a bit tight. Something centrally located would be great so the schools in the Eastern and Western parts of the state do not have to drive forever to get there.

Middle school is not at broadbent this year as our new tournament date is already booked.

I hope its not the Horse Park the dirt kills if you have allergies and the floor is uneven with dips everywhere.  Unless they are willing to put down a wooden floor over the crappy white mats used now we should move on from there.

I know it will never happen but I would love to see the state tournament at Rupp. 

Rupp would be nice, it would also look empty, NKU's BB&T Arena looks like the perfect size and setup. 

I've heard the Corbin expo center being tossed around. 

If Murray is a possible choice lets throw in the expo center in Pikeville as a possible choice.  Not going to happen.

2 minutes ago, VisionQuest said:

If Murray is a possible choice lets throw in the expo center in Pikeville as a possible choice.  Not going to happen.

Not going to say it will happen but they did put a bid in for it. They did this before Christmas.

1 hour ago, Bulldoglife said:

Middle school is not at broadbent this year as our new tournament date is already booked.

Where will MS be moving to and is it the same for youth?

Murray would be a nice change of venue, that would mean a 5-6 hour drive for some EKY teams, but then again we are talking about the KHSAA so its definitely possible.

I would just caution those in charge in dealing with Murray State, that they know what they are getting into.  Twice we used Murray State for football and twice it was absolute hell to deal with them.  

1 hour ago, Bulldoglife said:

Middle school is not at broadbent this year as our new tournament date is already booked.

Wait they moved the tournament dates before securing a contract with the venue?

4 minutes ago, plantmanky1 said:

Wait they moved the tournament dates before securing a contract with the venue?

yes. 

1 hour ago, plantmanky1 said:

Middle school is not at broadbent this year as our new tournament date is already booked.

Are we locked into the ridiculous, move to March or can that be proposed in the spring and changed back to the regular date with a vote in the fall?

39 minutes ago, naplesme said:

Are we locked into the ridiculous, move to March or can that be proposed in the spring and changed back to the regular date with a vote in the fall?

I just learned about this last month.  I already know of 2 coaches that will not return next year because of the longer season. 

Diddle Arena in Bowling Green might work, but no wrestling in the area either. Parking also isn't the greatest.

I vote Louisville area or bowling green. 

3 hours ago, Wkywrestler said:

Murray would be a nice change of venue, that would mean a 5-6 hour drive for some EKY teams, but then again we are talking about the KHSAA so its definitely possible.

If they choose to be difficult. Do we really need them? Big hell no!!

4 hours ago, plantmanky1 said:

Wait they moved the tournament dates before securing a contract with the venue?

yes by a month

Youth will be moving as well. We are currently looking for a new venue.

2 hours ago, naplesme said:

Are we locked into the ridiculous, move to March or can that be proposed in the spring and changed back to the regular date with a vote in the fall?

The dates are locked in but can be discussed at the Board meeting in the spring, however there is a moratorium for at least a year. The date change was suggested at the 2017 fall meeting voted to be held over until our next meeting  as required where it was  approved  by the majority of the coaches at the spring meeting last year. I have attached copies of the minutes from both meetings

2018_KFWC_Spring_Minutes.pdf

KFWC_Fall_Minutes_2017.pdf

2 hours ago, naplesme said:

Are we locked into the ridiculous, move to March or can that be proposed in the spring and changed back to the regular date with a vote in the fall?

Im not against the shift of seasons so much as the fact that no venue contract was in place or at least pending when making the shift an option.    

Not sure how much seating diddle or Murray state has but I'd hope alot. If the state tournament is moved to the western side of the State Union will pack the stadium more than they already do.

We are looking for something Central to the whole state Louisville seems the best fit, hoever other locations are being explored.

21 minutes ago, wrastler_ said:

Not sure how much seating diddle or Murray state has but I'd hope alot. If the state tournament is moved to the western side of the State Union will pack the stadium more than they already do.

Murray's arena seats like 9k for a basketball game but guessing they'd open up the floor and only allow spectators in upper level.  its plenty big

I've been saying it for years....

We need to get on same schedule the rest of the Wrestling States are on....all levels Youth to HS.

HS Same Oct~Feb

MS and Youth start competition Jan 1st end of season tournament first of March

Freestyle/GR starts April 1st with tournament end of May

Puts you on schedule with Summer travel teams doing the Regional, Fargo trips.

Boom August is here for Football guys, Weight training for the others, Super 32, Who's #1...etc

October rolls in and we are fat and happy again...Rinse and Repeat

I pick a basketball arena like Rupp or Freedom Hall or WKU. Maybe rotate every year if possible. 

Move it back a week and change to Freedom Hall.  It's a little smaller than Alltech Arena overall but I'd bet seats about the same.

Yum center would be great as well

Murray also has the Racer Arena where they play volleyball. It seats 4000 and would be great. 

17 hours ago, Rtrburn76 said:

I've been saying it for years....

We need to get on same schedule the rest of the Wrestling States are on....all levels Youth to HS.

HS Same Oct~Feb

MS and Youth start competition Jan 1st end of season tournament first of March

Freestyle/GR starts April 1st with tournament end of May

Puts you on schedule with Summer travel teams doing the Regional, Fargo trips.

Boom August is here for Football guys, Weight training for the others, Super 32, Who's #1...etc

October rolls in and we are fat and happy again...Rinse and Repeat

 

I pick a basketball arena like Rupp or Freedom Hall or WKU. Maybe rotate every year if possible. 

Where ever they move the state tourney to or what is decided. I really don't think KHSAA cares about what the Wrestling coaches or community really wants or it would have never been at the horse park and the show it used to be would still be great. Whatever is done the above statement is what I wish would happen. Makes no sense to me why a middle school season would ever be 5 to 6 weeks longer than a high school season. With the new middle school ending two weeks after high school state and always starts a few weeks ahead thats what has been created.

3 hours ago, DrBaker said:

Murray also has the Racer Arena where they play volleyball. It seats 4000 and would be great. 

Racer Arena is in middle of campus so parking would be a huge issue. 10,000 students using campus at the same time as state tourney.  CFSB Center has its own parking lot and better restrooms/concessions.  Man I loved playing pick up games in Racer arena and wish I could've seen a game there once. 

1 hour ago, panthers said:

Where ever they move the state tourney to or what is decided. I really don't think KHSAA cares about what the Wrestling coaches or community really wants or it would have never been at the horse park and the show it used to be would still be great. Whatever is done the above statement is what I wish would happen. Makes no sense to me why a middle school season would ever be 5 to 6 weeks longer than a high school season. With the new middle school ending two weeks after high school state and always starts a few weeks ahead thats what has been created.

Panther:  KHSAA has no say so in the Middle School or Youth state tourney.  Neither is state sanctioned.  It is up to the coaches association to decide this. 

As for the high school state tourney. 

There is a lot to consider here.

1. Needs to be centrally located.  Make travel time as equal as possible.  Really don't want one group of teams to travel 5 hours when the rest only have to travel 2 hours. 

2. The venue does not need to be huge.  (Rupp, Yum) If you make it to big then the crowd seems small. 

3.  Venue needs to be big enough to hold 8 mats.  Getting out at a decent time on Friday and Saturday is crucial. 

There are others but to me these are the big 3. 

KHSAA is going to worry about cost and location. 

22 minutes ago, grappler-of-old said:

As for the high school state tourney. 

There is a lot to consider here.

1. Needs to be centrally located.  Make travel time as equal as possible.  Really don't want one group of teams to travel 5 hours when the rest only have to travel 2 hours. 

2. The venue does not need to be huge.  (Rupp, Yum) If you make it to big then the crowd seems small. 

3.  Venue needs to be big enough to hold 8 mats.  Getting out at a decent time on Friday and Saturday is crucial. 

There are others but to me these are the big 3. 

KHSAA is going to worry about cost and location. 

#3 is going to be key. The girls side will be taken over at some point in the next 24 months by khsaa. The amount it grew in 1 year seems it will supersede KHSAA # of minimum teams in year 2. If khsaa is going on a 1 yr deal, then why leave horse barn (As much as it pains me to say this). 

I agree Rupp and Yum are too big. 

Broadbent is not fit for the high school. Freedom Hall... yes. Murray is far better than Corbin (See naplesme post) but the travel I agree with. BB&T at NKU looks like it could be good, but can it fit 8-10 mats??

Freedom Hall or BB&T Arena at NKU seem like the best fits to me.

Both are decently located, also in areas that actually wrestle 

The arenas would not look empty 

the only downside would the ability to fit 8 mats like said above, an easy fix to this could be to make state 3 days instead of 2, many other states already do this

8 minutes ago, Wkywrestler said:

Freedom Hall or BB&T Arena at NKU seem like the best fits to me.

Both are decently located, also in areas that actually wrestle 

The arenas would not look empty 

the only downside would the ability to fit 8 mats like said above, an easy fix to this could be to make state 3 days instead of 2, many other states already do this

3 days it not happening. 

22 minutes ago, halfhalfhalf said:

#3 is going to be key. The girls side will be taken over at some point in the next 24 months by khsaa. The amount it grew in 1 year seems it will supersede KHSAA # of minimum teams in year 2. If khsaa is going on a 1 yr deal, then why leave horse barn (As much as it pains me to say this). 

I agree Rupp and Yum are too big. 

Broadbent is not fit for the high school. Freedom Hall... yes. Murray is far better than Corbin (See naplesme post) but the travel I agree with. BB&T at NKU looks like it could be good, but can it fit 8-10 mats??

 

Broadbent is terrible just as dusty and dirty as The Horse Park and busses pay $25 to park everyone else is $10 everytime you enter not a daily rate its a per day.

21 minutes ago, Bulldoglife said:

Broadbent is terrible just as dusty and dirty as The Horse Park and busses pay $25 to park everyone else is $10 everytime you enter not a daily rate its a per day.

I know... Ive been there. I should of amended my post to say if they fix parking issues at Freedom. I think it's complete BS how they do it in Lville.  

7 minutes ago, halfhalfhalf said:

I know... Ive been there. I should of amended my post to say if they fix parking issues at Freedom. I think it's complete BS how they do it in Lville.  

I cant belive how they run out of concessions evry year charge so much to park its ridiculous.

43 minutes ago, Wkywrestler said:

Freedom Hall or BB&T Arena at NKU seem like the best fits to me.

Both are decently located, also in areas that actually wrestle 

The arenas would not look empty 

the only downside would the ability to fit 8 mats like said above, an easy fix to this could be to make state 3 days instead of 2, many other states already do this

I'm almost certain BB&T can fit 8 mats.  The problem with BB&T is tying it up for 3 days (1 evening of set up, 2 days of wrestling) during basketball season.  Just at first glance, at least this season, they don't have a stretch of Thurs-Saturday completely free of men's/women's basketball the entire month of February.  I'm guessing the same will be true next year.  Plus, it's still going be a 3-4 hour drive for a portion of the state.  

While I don't love Alltech for wrestling, I still don't understand why so many hate it.  And while Ky's state tourney isn't the best (or even close) in terms of venue and atmosphere, it certainly isn't the worst either.  There are still states that hold their tourney in a high school gym.  And if you listen to other sports throughout the state, you hear just as much, if not more griping about the State Championship/tourneys.  I agree, that many times wrestling gets the short end of the stick in KY, it's also not nearly as bad as many wrestling fans like to make it out to be, and the whining/"no one cares about wrestling in this state" position so many in the sport take, doesn't do anything to make the situation better, and makes people further tune out the sport.

I think the biggest issue with the Horse Park are for those with allergies. I know a few who have problems there in this aspect.  I am not sure this is a good setting for spectators and participants with allergies. 

Oh I remember the days when the state tourney was held at Atherton High School.  Yes I am that old. 

The team rode Sabertooth tigers to the tourney. 

3 hours ago, CradleKY said:

Racer Arena is in middle of campus so parking would be a huge issue. 10,000 students using campus at the same time as state tourney.  CFSB Center has its own parking lot and better restrooms/concessions.  Man I loved playing pick up games in Racer arena and wish I could've seen a game there once. 

Parking was a pain. I usually just parked in the grass. 

1 hour ago, grappler-of-old said:

I think the biggest issue with the Horse Park are for those with allergies. I know a few who have problems there in this aspect.  I am not sure this is a good setting for spectators and participants with allergies. 

Oh I remember the days when the state tourney was held at Atherton High School.  Yes I am that old. 

The team rode Sabertooth tigers to the tourney. 

Was just watching some footage from 1992 back in atherton. I remember a pretty loud crowd in there. 

I can't help but think, Shouldn't this have been settled before now??????? A new location should have been secured long before this season was over. 

46 minutes ago, take em to the mat said:

I can't help but think, Shouldn't this have been settled before now??????? A new location should have been secured long before this season was over. 

One would think so

Why does everyone think Rupp and Yum would be to big? Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan are all held in arena. Freedom Hall or Yum would be more than ideal. 

"Build it and they will come"

Schedule realignment, with actual backing from KHSAA all season long, Not just state finals. 

Get KHSAA to encourage the none program schools to start programs.

Question for the group, who is ponying up the $25,000 fee for YUM to event talk to you about hosting?

Ranger, you shouldn't reveal your age like that. LOL, I loved Atherton. Everyone packed in like sardines and the excitement for our sport. The facility might not be what we  want to be in, but nothing compares to the energy that was in that building those years.

15 hours ago, Ranger123 said:

Was just watching some footage from 1992 back in atherton. I remember a pretty loud crowd in there. 

does EKU have an arena that would work?  centrally located in state and ample lodging. 

12 hours ago, Rtrburn76 said:

Why does everyone think Rupp and Yum would be to big? Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan are all held in arena. Freedom Hall or Yum would be more than ideal. 

"Build it and they will come"

Schedule realignment, with actual backing from KHSAA all season long, Not just state finals. 

Get KHSAA to encourage the none program schools to start programs.

It has not happened at Altech.  When we moved from Atherton to the Dungeon, the Dungeon was slightly larger and we did not fill the stands eventually we filled the stands and the atmosphere was awesome.  Moving from the Dungeon to Altech we have not come close to filling the stands and the atmosphere is much worse.  

I like the idea of a larger (larger than the Dungeon) venue but not one where we are not close to filling. 

Moving from a facility that holds 6,000 (which we don't come close to filling) to an arena with 22,000 (Yum) or 23,000 (Rupp) is insane. 

31 minutes ago, grappler-of-old said:

It has not happened at Altech.  When we moved from Atherton to the Dungeon, the Dungeon was slightly larger and we did not fill the stands eventually we filled the stands and the atmosphere was awesome.  Moving from the Dungeon to Altech we have not come close to filling the stands and the atmosphere is much worse.  

I like the idea of a larger (larger than the Dungeon) venue but not one where we are not close to filling. 

Moving from a facility that holds 6,000 (which we don't come close to filling) to an arena with 22,000 (Yum) or 23,000 (Rupp) is insane. 

Personally I think part of the reason for horsebarn crowd issues are due to paying for parking and the dusty mess. Ranger and some others correct me if I am wrong but when they started charging 3-4 yrs ago to park the attendance has dipped significantly. I noticed it some last yr, but this yr it was very noticeable. 

I thought the crowd was good on Friday, but Saturday was very disappointing. I can’t speak to reasons for poor attendance (parking cost, ticket cost, dirty dusty environment, poor event management, etc). 

Bottom line is this. When we moved from Atherton to Dungeon the event sold itself and the crowd came. Moving to Alltech the event has become more of a formality than a show for the fans and spectators to enjoy. So with that and the less inviting environment, it’s no surprise we have less people coming out. 

Don’t forget the KHSAA pushed the youth event away that helped build the crowd and energy on Saturday night. 

Move wrestling to a spring sport and move state out doors! Boom, problem solved! Lol

26 minutes ago, coachteater said:

Move wrestling to a spring sport and move state out doors! Boom, problem solved! Lol

Might as well make it in the sand ha

5 hours ago, 119Rider said:

Ranger, you shouldn't reveal your age like that. LOL, I loved Atherton. Everyone packed in like sardines and the excitement for our sport. The facility might not be what we  want to be in, but nothing compares to the energy that was in that building those years.

 

I’ve given up pretending like I’m not old. 

What is the most Central location in the state? That has a 10,000 seat capacity?

6 hours ago, 119Rider said:

Ranger, you shouldn't reveal your age like that. LOL, I loved Atherton. Everyone packed in like sardines and the excitement for our sport. The facility might not be what we  want to be in, but nothing compares to the energy that was in that building those years.

 

I agree 119Rider.  It was small, but fun.  

The geographic center of Kentucky, according to old Kentucky Transportation Cabinet road maps, is in Marion county about three miles northwest of Lebanon on KY 429.

Campbellsville in Taylor county also claims to be the geographic center of the state and there is a marker on the campus of Campbellsville University.

The population center is Boyle County. 

I would guess the cost of the tickets impact attendance more than the $5 parking.   $20 per day or $35 for the 2 day pass, I get they gotta charge something but that just seems a little steep.  Don't recall the cost in years past but this seemed pretty high. 

Atherton was hot, loud, crowded and pretty cool!  Not saying go back to a high school though, our kids deserve more in comparison to what they do for the other sports.          

I always felt Memorial Coliseum would be ideal. Centrally located, plenty of hotels around LEXINGTON, seems to be the right size, and seating is set up way better than Alltech. Alltech is an absolute dump and it’s embarrassing to the state that we have our state tournament on essentially a dirt floor. 

Who has imput on the location? Does KHSAA partner with the coaches association on these major decisions? 

Just now, take em to the mat said:

Who has imput on the location? Does KHSAA partner with the coaches association on these major decisions? 

Ha ha. The only thing they partner with the coaches on is getting the kids to the event. 

1 hour ago, Ranger123 said:

Ha ha. The only thing they partner with the coaches on is getting the kids to the event. 

That's problematic in itself. Any of the khsaa officials ever wrestle? If not they are clueless.

19 minutes ago, take em to the mat said:

That's problematic in itself. Any of the khsaa officials ever wrestle? If not they are clueless.

Not having wrestled, doesn’t make one clueless.  

56 minutes ago, rjs4470 said:

Not having wrestled, doesn’t make one clueless.  

That was a bit harsh. let's go with won't completely understand. By that I mean if you've pour everything you have into something. And an individual thats put in charge of whatever it is hasn't  never been through any of it. They won't understand how being treated as "well that's good enough" is frustrating. 

5 minutes ago, take em to the mat said:

That was a bit harsh. let's go with won't completely understand. By that I mean if you've pour everything you have into something. And an individual thats put in charge of whatever it is hasn't  never been through any of it. They won't understand how being treated as "well that's good enough" is frustrating. 

You couldnt be more wrong than you are right now, specifically as it refers to the topic at hand. 

2 hours ago, Ranger123 said:

Ha ha. The only thing they partner with the coaches on is getting the kids to the event. 

That and venue sites making sure they dont sign contracts with other groups. 

So are they planning on girls going at the same time? I hope that's not the case. I haven't even heard that KHSAA is going to take over the girls tournament yet and frankly, I like that the girls have a chance to make the big show with the boys if they're good enough. Most of the girls wrestle on their high school teams and if they're good enough to make varsity they should have a shot at State. Right now the girl state was just an everyone and anyone can go with no qualifier and no real recognition by the state. At current state of girls wrestling I hope we dont take away an opportunity for them.

4 hours ago, PABacon said:

So are they planning on girls going at the same time? I hope that's not the case. I haven't even heard that KHSAA is going to take over the girls tournament yet and frankly, I like that the girls have a chance to make the big show with the boys if they're good enough. Most of the girls wrestle on their high school teams and if they're good enough to make varsity they should have a shot at State. Right now the girl state was just an everyone and anyone can go with no qualifier and no real recognition by the state. At current state of girls wrestling I hope we dont take away an opportunity for them.

As of now khsaa is not sanctioning it, but talking with Mike Barren, they are monitoring the numbers. Mr. Barren told me that they are not just tracking numbers, but also reporting them nationally.  He said that woth the growth we had this year they will have to take a "hard look" at it over the next year or two. 

Just my opinion, but if we see the same growth over the next 2 years, we will be sanctioned in 3 or 4 years. Again, thats just the feeling i have. 

We’ve all been doing this for several years and I enjoy reading all the comments from people all over the state that have the same love and passion for this sport as I do. However, name one time, anyone on the committee has commented or taking part in a discussion with this group or the coaches association to find out what the wrestling community really wants and how  it can be accomplished. We all know that Mike Barren runs the KHSAA wrestling and Julian Tackett runs all of KHSAA. And we know that there is a wrestling committee. But talking with one of the coaches on the committee, he stated nothing was changing unless those 2 in charge want it to change. So let’s talk about how do we get the mindset changed. What about a spring meeting for Q&A in Frankfurt with the coaches on the committee  and heads of KHSAA? Or a advocate for the wrestling community that can come back and discuss what can and can’t be done for this sport with us. What do they do for Basketball and Football differently than they do for wrestling? Lastly, When the coaches are told that the mats are being left on the floor in their current location for the finals match. How closed minded is that. It took the coaches just doing 10 minutes worth of work to break down the floor and five these athletes and fans a finals mat. The wrestlers are doing their part. We seen exciting matches and the talent level continues to grow. 

10 hours ago, plantmanky1 said:

You couldnt be more wrong than you are right now, specifically as it refers to the topic at hand. 

Thank you for your opinion.  Good opening statement. Now explain it!!  This is what forums are for. We need everyones opinion. Maybe some good will come from everyones input. 

There are Coaches on the advisory committee and they talk with Mike Barren. I will say the Khsaa is hard to work with, but they have taken some suggestions and made things better. After the 4 mat thing a few years ago, they listened. They moved quarters to friday night to provide time for the medal rounds first, then a one mat final. 

They have also worked with the KYWCA and allowed us to provide bracket boards and a secondary award to go with their tiny medals. 

So while it is not ideal, perfect, or what we all wish it should be, it could and has been worse. 

Just know plenty of coaches out there try hard to get to make everyones feeling known and are trying everything they can to improve it. I know Coach Upchurch, Detwiler,  Davis, and Founder all have and continue to work with khsaa to make improvements.  

On 2/20/2019 at 1:24 PM, halfhalfhalf said:

#3 is going to be key. The girls side will be taken over at some point in the next 24 months by khsaa. The amount it grew in 1 year seems it will supersede KHSAA # of minimum teams in year 2. If khsaa is going on a 1 yr deal, then why leave horse barn (As much as it pains me to say this). 

I agree Rupp and Yum are too big. 

Broadbent is not fit for the high school. Freedom Hall... yes. Murray is far better than Corbin (See naplesme post) but the travel I agree with. BB&T at NKU looks like it could be good, but can it fit 8-10 mats??

 

In previous statement yes grappler-of-old 

I am aware KHSAA has nothing to do with the youth and middle I was just stating I liked the statement to moving them all.

As for the rest I like both of yours and Halfhalfhalf said: statements about things of importance for moving tourney.  We all wish it never left the Dungeon but those days are gone for good and we must look to find a great new solution. I believe for the #3 Girls wresting if KHSAA would get behind it there would be more schools have it. I tried 2 years ago to get my school to let me have an all girls team because of interest from young ladys in our school telling  me they would if not with boys and I have younger ones coming up. My schools answer was no such thing cant have unless its a khsaa certified sport. So might be others feel same way.  I do think Central located will be key due to cost of Lexington people KHSAA workers having to stay hotels if not. So I look for it to be back at horse park or somewhere else in Lexington or close by.

55 minutes ago, coachteater said:

There are Coaches on the advisory committee and they talk with Mike Barren. I will say the Khsaa is hard to work with, but they have taken some suggestions and made things better. After the 4 mat thing a few years ago, they listened. They moved quarters to friday night to provide time for the medal rounds first, then a one mat final. 

They have also worked with the KYWCA and allowed us to provide bracket boards and a secondary award to go with their tiny medals. 

So while it is not ideal, perfect, or what we all wish it should be, it could and has been worse. 

Just know plenty of coaches out there try hard to get to make everyones feeling known and are trying everything they can to improve it. I know Coach Upchurch, Detwiler,  Davis, and Founder all have and continue to work with khsaa to make improvements.  

Thanks to the KYWCA for doing that. I know that the wrestlers appreciate it. Compared to the medal from a couple of years ago, the award plaque was a much better presentation, too! The bracket boards are awesome!

17 hours ago, raidercoach said:

I always felt Memorial Coliseum would be ideal. Centrally located, plenty of hotels around LEXINGTON, seems to be the right size, and seating is set up way better than Alltech. Alltech is an absolute dump and it’s embarrassing to the state that we have our state tournament on essentially a dirt floor. 

It would, the downside would be parking, as Classes would be in session for Friday, as well as easier access to the floor by parents, just have to police that.  

As someone who spent countless hours in Memorial Coliseum hoping to win the student ticket lottery for basketball games, those seats in there would be awful for two long days of wrestling. Unless they remodeled it in the past 3 years, I give that a hard no go just for that simple fact. 

The very first KY State Duels was held in Memorial Coliseum in 89-90 and it was incredible.  While it would be the perfect location I don't believe that it would be feasible now because of Women's Basketball, Gymnastics and even Cheer to get 2.5 days on a weekend.   

I like the idea of EKU's Alumni Coliseum.  It's centrally located with lots of parking, but the capacity is only 6,500.  How many people normally attend the state tournament?

11 minutes ago, Zeus said:

I like the idea of EKU's Alumni Coliseum.  It's centrally located with lots of parking, but the capacity is only 6,500.  How many people normally attend the state tournament?

That is plenty of space.

29 minutes ago, Zeus said:

I like the idea of EKU's Alumni Coliseum.  It's centrally located with lots of parking, but the capacity is only 6,500.  How many people normally attend the state tournament?

Enough seating, but floor is not big enough for the mats. Google it and you can see from the pics. Its not much bigger then the basketball court itself

2 hours ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

As someone who spent countless hours in Memorial Coliseum hoping to win the student ticket lottery for basketball games, those seats in there would be awful for two long days of wrestling. Unless they remodeled it in the past 3 years, I give that a hard no go just for that simple fact. 

major renovations are planned.   They already installed a video board that's insanely big. parking would be an absolute nightmare. There just isn't any around there at all. They'd have to shuttle ppl from parking garages nearby

1 hour ago, CradleKY said:

major renovations are planned.   They already installed a video board that's insanely big. parking would be an absolute nightmare. There just isn't any around there at all. They'd have to shuttle ppl from parking garages nearby

 

cool atmosphere, but again not nearly enough space.  In this configuration, you'd be lucky to get 6 mats down.  6 would be tight and lead to safety issues and almost necessitate moving back to 3 day tournament.

as awful as it is to say, out of all of the suggestions given... Alltech still has the most boxes checked.

I’m guessing 6 mats would not be an issue as there would be no seating on the floor. That would slow things down a little, but that could be offset by more efficiently using a bullpen system rather than corralling everyone until the bout sheet gets to the mat. 

1 hour ago, Ranger123 said:

I’m guessing 6 mats would not be an issue as there would be no seating on the floor. That would slow things down a little, but that could be offset by more efficiently using a bullpen system rather than corralling everyone until the bout sheet gets to the mat. 

I simply don’t get why they haven’t moved away from bout sheets and to live, matside scoring on track.  In addition to being faster, people can follow matches and scoring live on the dashboard online.  

11 minutes ago, rjs4470 said:

I simply don’t get why they haven’t moved away from bout sheets and to live, matside scoring on track.  In addition to being faster, people can follow matches and scoring live on the dashboard online.  

Yes!!!!!

The only reason I have heard is that the KHSAA is afraid of Track crashing due to all the traffic happening and the WiFi at the HorsePark not being the best. Doesn’t seem like a good excuse because you could just go back to the paper bouts if the system does crash so the tournament can keep going.

I might be one of the few people that’s not in favor of running the state tournament on track. Unless the WiFi gets a major upgrade and they continue to announce each match and not use a digital bout board. 

1 hour ago, rjs4470 said:

I simply don’t get why they haven’t moved away from bout sheets and to live, matside scoring on track.  In addition to being faster, people can follow matches and scoring live on the dashboard online.  

The $2500.00 per day charge to access the horse park internet probably has something to do with that. 

1 hour ago, plantmanky1 said:

The $2500.00 per day charge to access the horse park internet probably has something to do with that. 

Yeah. Be a shame to cut into that 95% profit margin on the event to make it run more efficiently. 

30 minutes ago, Ranger123 said:

Yeah. Be a shame to cut into that 95% profit margin on the event to make it run more efficiently. 

Exactly

NKU has no hotels real close, none within walking distance at all.  Also limited restaurant access.   However, they are in the process of developing a retail center at the main entrance to the university and have a lot of land very near BB&T Arena that could be developed in the future.  

1 hour ago, Coachpat said:

NKU has no hotels real close, none within walking distance at all.  Also limited restaurant access.   However, they are in the process of developing a retail center at the main entrance to the university and have a lot of land very near BB&T Arena that could be developed in the future.  

Nothing within walking distance at Alltech either so that’s a wash. The Newport/Covington/Florence area has more than enough hotels for this event. 

1 hour ago, Coachpat said:

NKU has no hotels real close, none within walking distance at all.  Also limited restaurant access.   However, they are in the process of developing a retail center at the main entrance to the university and have a lot of land very near BB&T Arena that could be developed in the future.  

How close do hotels need to be?  Yes, none are in walking distance, but there are plenty of hotels within a 10-15 minute drive.  And there are more than enough restaurants, especially when you consider downtown Cincinnati.  There are issues with holding the event at BB&T...lack of amenities is not one of them.

Any location is going to faced with compromises.  Just wanted to make sure that people not familiar with the location would be aware of these things.  

Does khsaa have a deadline set for picking a site?  

Any progress?

On 2/23/2019 at 8:31 AM, Coachpat said:

NKU has no hotels real close, none within walking distance at all.  Also limited restaurant access.   However, they are in the process of developing a retail center at the main entrance to the university and have a lot of land very near BB&T Arena that could be developed in the future.  

There three hotels five minutes away in Wilder at the botttom of hill and two more in Newport within ten minutes.

11 hours ago, Alf said:

There three hotels five minutes away in Wilder at the botttom of hill and two more in Newport within ten minutes.

But the traffic in NKY is worse than Lexington. 71/75 makes me feel like I should be in a mental institution every time I drive through there. 

It's only bad crossing the river into the buckeye state. 275 is where you do most of your traveling to get to NKU.

But NKU is not a good site because of geography, it is no where near centrally located, western Ky would have to travel way to far. 

1 hour ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

But the traffic in NKY is worse than Lexington. 71/75 makes me feel like I should be in a mental institution every time I drive through there. 

It's only what your use to.  I feel the same way on 75 going through Lexington. 

1 hour ago, grappler-of-old said:

It's only bad crossing the river into the buckeye state. 275 is where you do most of your traveling to get to NKU.

But NKU is not a good site because of geography, it is no where near centrally located, western Ky would have to travel way to far. 

Is NKU that much less central than Corbin or Murray?

Murray is 400 miles 1 way from some Eastern Ky schools.  Corbin or Northern Ky more reasonable.  

35 minutes ago, Ranger123 said:

Is NKU that much less central than Corbin or Murray?

I don't like any of those destinations either. 

Geographically would put you somewhere near E-town.  So I would say Lou, Lex, Elizabethtown, and Richmod would all be good locations centrally. 

40 minutes ago, VisionQuest said:

Murray is 400 miles 1 way from some Eastern Ky schools.  Corbin or Northern Ky more reasonable.  

So I thought for fun I would look up California State, its held in Bakersfield.  Some teams in northern California are over 600 miles away. 10- 11 hr drive. Holy cow! Just a little perspective 

Texas is in Cypress(outside Houston). If you had a team in El paso, your looking at over 700 miles!

4 hours ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

But the traffic in NKY is worse than Lexington. 71/75 makes me feel like I should be in a mental institution every time I drive through there. 

Maybe you should.  LoL

On 2/22/2019 at 6:16 PM, rjs4470 said:

I simply don’t get why they haven’t moved away from bout sheets and to live, matside scoring on track.  In addition to being faster, people can follow matches and scoring live on the dashboard online.  

Tennessee has gone to all Track with a digital bout board. Works well. Not sure about the internet situation, though. 

1 hour ago, Braves coach said:

Maybe you should.  LoL

You might be right LOL! 

Why not travel the state tournament to multiple locations across the state much the same as the NCAA does? Have 4-6 locations on a rotation. Let other venues/areas/cities bid into the rotation.

Over here in Calloway, we make the 4 hour trip to Alltech on an annual basis and stay in hotels for a couple of nights.  For some schools, kids get to sleep in their own beds for this tournament and there is no additional cost to the programs.

I've seen a lot of "that's too far of a trip to go to Murray." We have zero issues going to Alltech. Furthermore, for the state tournament, I would have zero issues driving another couple hours past Alltech...if I knew that the tournament was coming to the western side the next season.

Just a thought. I understand it would take planning and coordination on behalf of the KHSAA to get sites and schedules worked out for years in advance but I think that is a compromise that coaches could agree to.

14 minutes ago, mac00135 said:

Why not travel the state tournament to multiple locations across the state much the same as the NCAA does? Have 4-6 locations on a rotation. Let other venues/areas/cities bid into the rotation.

Over here in Calloway, we make the 4 hour trip to Alltech on an annual basis and stay in hotels for a couple of nights.  For some schools, kids get to sleep in their own beds for this tournament and there is no additional cost to the programs.

I've seen a lot of "that's too far of a trip to go to Murray." We have zero issues going to Alltech. Furthermore, for the state tournament, I would have zero issues driving another couple hours past Alltech...if I knew that the tournament was coming to the western side the next season.

Just a thought. I understand it would take planning and coordination on behalf of the KHSAA to get sites and schedules worked out for years in advance but I think that is a compromise that coaches could agree to.

Very good point. Be a nice change for some to be in Western Ky. 

1 hour ago, mac00135 said:

Why not travel the state tournament to multiple locations across the state much the same as the NCAA does? Have 4-6 locations on a rotation. Let other venues/areas/cities bid into the rotation.

Over here in Calloway, we make the 4 hour trip to Alltech on an annual basis and stay in hotels for a couple of nights.  For some schools, kids get to sleep in their own beds for this tournament and there is no additional cost to the programs.

I've seen a lot of "that's too far of a trip to go to Murray." We have zero issues going to Alltech. Furthermore, for the state tournament, I would have zero issues driving another couple hours past Alltech...if I knew that the tournament was coming to the western side the next season.

Just a thought. I understand it would take planning and coordination on behalf of the KHSAA to get sites and schedules worked out for years in advance but I think that is a compromise that coaches could agree to.

In theory that sounds easy to do, but in practicum its not.  For the size facilities you are talking, getting all those facilities to keep those dates open just once every 3-4 years is tough.  Signing a 3 year date is a lot easier.  

A bird told me that the Horse Park gave KHSAA till the end of April to resign a new contract.  

2 hours ago, plantmanky1 said:

In theory that sounds easy to do, but in practicum its not.  For the size facilities you are talking, getting all those facilities to keep those dates open just once every 3-4 years is tough.  Signing a 3 year date is a lot easier.  

 

A bird told me that the Horse Park gave KHSAA till the end of April to resign a new contract.  

So there's a chance we can be back at the Horse Park next year... 

On 2/22/2019 at 7:16 PM, rjs4470 said:

I simply don’t get why they haven’t moved away from bout sheets and to live, matside scoring on track.  In addition to being faster, people can follow matches and scoring live on the dashboard online.  

Some people are afraid of improvement. The ole well if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. So I agree 100%

11 hours ago, take em to the mat said:

Some people are afraid of improvement. The ole well if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. So I agree 100%

 

I really wish they'd go to live scoring. I want to know who's on every mat and what the scores are. I closed down the office, made the drive, paid for the hotel, and paid admission to see every match. It's hard enough to catch every match for your own team much less trying to catch the great 2nd round matchups when 8 mats are going wide open. 

5 hours ago, DrBaker said:

I really wish they'd go to live scoring. I want to know who's on every mat and what the scores are. I closed down the office, made the drive, paid for the hotel, and paid admission to see every match. It's hard enough to catch every match for your own team much less trying to catch the great 2nd round matchups when 8 mats are going wide open. 

Got to keep everything state of the art. I feel using track will enhance the experience for spectators and wrestlers alike. Therefore, gaining more viewers/fans via track. 

Who are the individuals responsible for making this decision? Maybe get their contact info and we all can drop them a note??  Surely they’d appreciate some input from those in the trenches. 

As we approach the end of April is there any news yet as to location of State.

2 hours ago, panthers said:

As we approach the end of April is there any news yet as to location of State.

Board of Control meets May 7th and May 8th, I would think then or at least a narrowed down list of venues.  

Last heard was a meeting on May 7th and 8th so any word on the outcome. Or where the tourney will be.

Back at horse park is what I have heard.