Rookies03

Not to split hairs but.... Cathedral might be located in Marion County but they compete in the City and are apart of the City alliance.

Having the championship match showcased at Brownsburg this past year made it very special IMHO. While it does increase the amount of time for the event, I think it is well worth it. If needed take out the "wrestleback" round and use that time to show case the finals. Obviously this would make it necessary to have 4 different sites but I would guess that a lot of the participating programs would benefit from having an environment as close as possible to the IHSAA finals of wrestling in front of the entire crowd under the lights (provided the host has a spotlight).

Hard to argue with list but I’d slide Kody Wagner in at 152/145 as a 4th place finisher. Jacob Aven should be mentioned as at least HM.

One of those years that Doug and Chad wrestled both Welch officials were there also but I think they are uncles to Doug and Chad. Still very cool to see all the family ties.

I wouldn’t get too worked up over anything just yet. So much can change between now and State. I’m guessing the IHSAA is looking at all possibilities to be prepared for anything that might come up in the next 5 weeks.

Awesome day of wrestling! Big thanks to all that made it possible.

I just saw this on FB. Such a great 4 year wrestler back in the 90s. So sad to hear of this loss.

A kid who is hurt or just not wrestling can still weigh-in to get a qualifying weigh-in just remember to bring a singlet for them to wear when they step on the scale.

Probably the most action of any 1-1 match going into overtime. These two absolutely got after it but could not finish during regulation. Great match!

All of these matches were awesome and so much fun to watch but I think Red vs Lee has to top the list. Red going for a 4x undefeated HS career and Lee coming off a season long injury. Red wrestled with a flare and had a persona all his own. Lee was the blue collared Wildcat from the south. So much anticipation that people all of over the state were waiting to click open the brackets to see if Nick actually entered the sectional at 132. Then the anticipation to see if Red/Lee would happen in the semis or under the lights. It was the first time I had heard so much buzz about making that match the last of the night. Then the roar of the crowd before the match only to have to wait on a tv commercial break and then another roar to get it going. Both wrestlers had the other on their back after takedowns and the match decided by Red’s ability to ride tough. And not to take anything away from the other wrestlers but just not sure how you top that.

I don't look at going from 12 to 8 schools as a decrease in the chances of a 1A school going to or winning team state. Yes there are less spots but all schools have the opportunity to compete this year for a spot next year. There should still be motivation at smaller schools to draw athletes and grow the sport. Ultimately Classed Team State alone won't grow a program but it can be a carrot to draw kids in. Still takes a lot of work and dedication from the school, coaches, parents and athletes.

It should be about both (although more the kids than the adults). When talking about class wrestling you have to really consider the average kid vs the elite kid (and their families). If the experience is not enjoyable for the parents of a wrestler then there is less likelihood that the kid will continue to do the necessary things to improve and continue with the sport (notice I said "less likelihood" as there are exceptions to every rule). As for class wrestling as a whole, I think any argument (for or against) needs to have good comparative (and if possible) historical data. Supporters for class wrestling say "it will grow the sport" - has the IHSWCA team duals helped grow 1A and 2A? If so support your claim with real numbers. Supporters for single class wrestling say "it will water down the sport" - what has been the response of other states going from single to class? I am sure at one time all states were single class. Look at the most similar state (at that point in time) to our state (current point in time) and look at the trends. Using singular points of data to prove a point rarely are effective (EMD or Fargo results or David Taylor). These are all outliers and wouldn't show a norm that could be applied to all. Using EMD you are basically says that all 1A schools are the same as EMD. That's just not true. Using National tournaments to suggest class wrestling doesn't prove much because you are talking about the top 1-3% of each state. Too many other factors and class wrestling isn't likely to change those results. BTW... I am for class wrestling as long as we can keep our single class state tournament... is that possible?? Have cake, eat cake.

I completely agree that the weight cutting problem is only solved by coaches, parents and athletes cause there just isnt a good way to legislate it as some will always find "work arounds". I also agree with healthy living is the way to go but understand a kid "cutting" (within reason) down a weight class to make the lineup but not hard 15-30 lb cuts.

Helps prevent kids from cutting a bunch and then replenishing after weigh-ins which is 60-90 mins before wrestling begins. If you have to weigh-in every time you step on the mat then more likely you are at your natural weight and not cutting.

Coaches do have access but every time an alpha weight gets changed an email goes to IHSAA office. If you do it then they IHSAA will know. Not sure why a coach would have the access either. Maybe there could be a legitimate reason a coach would need to edit that weight?!?