IHSWCA Team State: Mistakes of 2014

It is time to challenge the leaders of the IHSWCA. This event was started to show the IHSAA how a classed event can be done. Yet it seems we took a huge step backwards in the second year. Last year we offered some simple suggestions in order to improve the product and unfortunately the IHSWCA did not look into any of them. Before we go on, we will once again post them in hopes that the IHSWCA will look into these.

1. Lack of promotion

If you treat it like a big deal, people will think it's a big deal.

Once again we are addressing this issue and sadly this year's version of the event was treated like a regular weekend super dual. Many people did not have simple information such as admission fee and even the start times. On top of that, there were what seemed to be 100 topics asking what teams were at the event. The IHSWCA NEEDS to step up and promote this event as the Super Bowl of wrestling in Indiana. They NEED to promote the event as much as possible. Their Facebook page didn't even have anything about the event until the day of it.

Here are some more simple suggestions on promotion.

1. Purchase a banner on IndianaMat- Yes I know it is like doing a deal with the devil, but guess what? In the past month on the messageboard alone there have been over 1.3 million, yes MILLION, page views. Having a banner on the site will get the dates, teams, locations, etc in front of the masses.
2. Talk to someone(hint hint) that might have access to social media with a great reach in Indiana- Again this is doing another deal with the devil, but that person wanted to help YOUR event and was shunned. Are you going to make that mistake again?
3. Promote the draw- Is the NCAA basketball draw during the conference tournaments or after when everyone can watch? The draw was a huge area of concern and question for all the classes. Get the date as one that you will get a big target audience. Those Google Hangouts seems to be going well, why not have those folks at IndianaMat release the draw that way?
4. Get the information out to the print media. Reporters were struggling to find information on the event.

2. The draw

First we had a change in the date, which wasn't a bad idea....but the IHSWCA didn't tell anyone of the change. THEN they do it on one of the busiest weekends of the year in terms of wrestling.  Also see #3 above on suggestions as this is the most anticipated part of the event.

3. Lack of communication

When coaches aren't aware of weigh-in times it is one thing, but add to that a general lack of knowledge of the start of the event or even how much it costs for admission. Quite simply, keep the coaches and their personnel in the loop when it comes to times and any changes that occur. On top of that do not forget about keeping the members of the media in the loop also. There is still a small core of wrestling enthusiasts in the print media realm that would love to promote the event and they are not being used effectively.

4. Promotion Magazine

I can go lots of places with this one, so let’s start off easy. It should come out a week in advance at least, not two days in advance. Also most of the information could easily be compiled way earlier in the year with the only updates that need to be made would be schedule and roster. Lastly, the lack of standard formatting in the roster and schedule make it hard to read and keep interested. It shouldn't be too hard to have a standard format for the whole magazine.  Lastly, do not use press releases by outside sources without permission.

5. Venue, Venue, Venue

As I stated last year, Westfield has great facilities, but this event should be moved to facilities that are more fan friendly in terms of being able to watch EVERYTHING going on. Here are a couple hints, the Pepsi Coliseum and even the Indiana Convention center that can host 8-12 mats easily.

6. Tournament Running Mistakes

Was this the IHSWCA’s first time running an event? Two big mistakes occurred. First, the finals were started before the 3^rd place matches were complete…in the other gym! Secondly you moved one of the more anticipated matches (Penn vs. Perry Meridian) to the fieldhouse. The fans for both teams were forced to wrestle with a lack of proper seating.

7. Treat the Media like Royalty

This shouldn’t be a suggestion, it should be mandatory, yet the media is not given much information about the event. Things as simple as providing internet, printed results and a place for them to work is a big deal and can go a long way to help this event become what it should. Treat them right, because there are very few that still cover this sport.

8. Financials

When will we see them?

9. Who won the individual awards?

Why don't we know this? Why isn't this promoted?

10. IHSAA Tradition Factor

Last year the IHSAA instituted a tradition factor for team sports in order to level the playing field when certain schools were dominating in a particular sport. Will the IHSWCA implement this in their tournament? Since the IHSWCA has modeled this event off IHSAA rules and regulations it would seem we should see this implemented immediately....right?