I was under the impression that the ISWA established the "wild cards" to in fact assist the smaller clubs fill their roster for the state tournament not to bolster their roster with out of club all stars. I was also under the impression, albeit naïve, that the "wild cards" weren't necessary for these local duals. The idea was at the local duals coaches would work together to fill in roster holes and get kids valuable mat time. I make it perfectly clear to our parents that we will not be winning any elementary state duals championships or for that matter, probably not bringing home any Yorktown, Perry or any other duals trophies. What I do make clear is that every kid from Franklin will get an equal opportunity to wear a Franklin team singlet and represent their club and community regardless of skill level. Where we have multiple kids, we simply rotate. Our parents understand this and also understand that at times this leads to mismatches. However, I still believe a lot can be learned from a good old fashioned butt whoopin' on the mat. My ego can handle the utter shame (sarcasm) of losing at the elementary level. My role and the role of our parents is to ensure that Franklin kids continue to come into the room year after year with an opportunity to wrestle. Also, my son does utilize the academies to supplement his training. However, he never misses a club practice and the idea of him wrestling for one of the academies over his home team would send Coach Hasseman into cardiac arrest and have me fearing for my life around town! I believe the ISWA has done what they can with these duals, but unfortunately, as is with many other sports, the parents, coaches and the people that represent these duals are the biggest problem. I just try and keep in mind that the trophies in our wrestling room are high school trophies, not elementary ones.