Coach Hull

I don't understand how people in the state can put together 10+ teams to go to VA Beach or Disney but we can't fill the SB, Cadet, and Junior teams. I know the fact that they are FS/GR makes a difference but what else?
I'm not trying to start a major debate but it is disturbing to see 4 forfeits out there. It would be a major disappointment for my wrestler to be on a team that walks in with a 24 point deficit.
I know my son has let teams down by choosing not to or being unable to participate once or twice so I fully understand the many reasons that could keep someone from participating. That does not make it any less frustrating though.
Congrats to these young men that got out there to represent and put in work,

IFFFFFFF you can pull it off, we are open to a 106, 145, 152, 170, and 220.  The bus departs next Monday, June 20th, from the ISWA office at 8 a.m. and return Sunday, June 26th at 8 a.m.  The cost is $630 for one style or $780 for two (deduct $95 if you have this year's gear).  On this trip we have guys eager to rep our state out here, guys who have been training specifically for Fargo, guys coming back from Disney on Sunday and leaving the next day with us, and even guys flying in just for the Freestyle portion. If you are interested in going, specifically at one of the above weights, please contact me ASAP at 317.800.5369 or coachnhull@gmail.com.  Also, because we need to double up, if you are able wrestle Greco you will also get a 4 pound allowance for Freestyle.  As it stands your 2016 Indiana Junior National Dual Team Members....
 
100  Josh Smith-Goheen
106  Jake Moran
106
113  Nick Brady
113  Traye Owens
120  Jonathan Moran
120  Colin Poynter
120  Ian Dembowski
126  Brock Hudkins
126  Paul Konrath
126  Adam Jerde
126  Josh Stephenson
132  Jeremiah Reitz
132  Breydan Bailey
132  Jack Tolin
138  Austin Holmes
138  Zach Melloh
138  Luke Schleissman
145  Zach Worden
145
152  Jacob Clark
152
160  Alston Bane
160  Gleason Mappes
160  Diego Lively
170 Christian Warren
170
182  Noah Cressel
195  Andrew Davison
195  Anthony Ruhana
195  Keith Barclay
220  
285  Shawn Streck
285  Daniel Phifer
 
Coaches:
Steve Bradley, Marian University
Travis Pascoe, Indiana University
Ben Wissel, Duke University
Dan Bedoy, Griffith High H.S., 
Gary Myers, Hamilton Heights H.S.
 
The team may not be as strong as we need in order to win the tournament....but we are definitely going out to make our mark and we are moving in right the direction as a state for this tournament (however painfully slow).  The individuals we are taking are going to benefit the most as we will put together a good run, and every wrestler who makes this trip will come back with a new appreciation for our sport and outlook on their career.  We will also be attending a clinic by Alex Dieringer and Bryce Saddoris on Tuesday.
 
2016 USAW Junior National Dual Championships
Cox Business Center
100 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
 
Hotel:
Wyndham-Tulsa
10918 E. 41st Street
 
Again, we will take anyone interested in going who can pull this off.  Please contact me for more details.  Thanks!

IFFFFFFF you can pull it off, we are open to a 106, 145, 152, 170, and 220.  The bus departs next Monday, June 20th, from the ISWA office at 8 a.m. and return Sunday, June 26th at 8 a.m.  The cost is $630 for one style or $780 for two (deduct $95 if you have this year's gear).  On this trip we have guys eager to rep our state out here, guys who have been training specifically for Fargo, guys coming back from Disney on Sunday and leaving the next day with us, and even guys flying in just for the Freestyle portion. If you are interested in going, specifically at one of the above weights, please contact me ASAP at 317.800.5369 or coachnhull@gmail.com.  Also, because we need to double up, if you are able wrestle Greco you will also get a 4 pound allowance for Freestyle.  As it stands your 2016 Indiana Junior National Dual Team Members....
 
100  Josh Smith-Goheen
106  Jake Moran
106
113  Nick Brady
113  Traye Owens
120  Jonathan Moran
120  Colin Poynter
120  Ian Dembowski
126  Brock Hudkins
126  Paul Konrath
126  Adam Jerde
126  Josh Stephenson
132  Jeremiah Reitz
132  Breydan Bailey
132  Jack Tolin
138  Austin Holmes
138  Zach Melloh
138  Luke Schleissman
145  Zach Worden
145
152  Jacob Clark
152
160  Alston Bane
160  Gleason Mappes
160  Diego Lively
170 Christian Warren
170
182  Noah Cressel
195  Andrew Davison
195  Anthony Ruhana
195  Keith Barclay
220  
285  Shawn Streck
285  Daniel Phifer
 
Coaches:
Steve Bradley, Marian University
Travis Pascoe, Indiana University
Ben Wissel, Duke University
Dan Bedoy, Griffith High H.S., 
Gary Myers, Hamilton Heights H.S.
 
The team may not be as strong as we need in order to win the tournament....but we are definitely going out to make our mark and we are moving in right the direction as a state for this tournament (however painfully slow).  The individuals we are taking are going to benefit the most as we will put together a good run, and every wrestler who makes this trip will come back with a new appreciation for our sport and outlook on their career.  We will also be attending a clinic by Alex Dieringer and Bryce Saddoris on Tuesday.
 
2016 USAW Junior National Dual Championships
Cox Business Center
100 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
 
Hotel:
Wyndham-Tulsa
10918 E. 41st Street
 
Again, we will take anyone interested in going who can pull this off.  Please contact me for more details.  Thanks!

2016 USAW Junior National Dual Championship
June 21st - 25th
Cox Business Center
100 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK  74103
 
 
Here is the current roster for the 2016 Indiana Junior National Dual Team, minus several guys possibly interested.  If you would like to be on this 2016 Junior National Dual Team, please contact me ASAP at coachnhull@gmail.com or 317.800.5369.  With the culmination of the UWW Cadet & University Nationals this past weekend,  filling this team is now officially on a first come, first serve basis.  With this info now being released we expect to fill up our last remaining spots, whether Cadet, Junior, freestyle or greco stud, beginner, or just wanna go have some fun, definitely hit me up.
 
The cost is $640 for one style, and the full payment must be made before the we get on the bus on the 20th.  This is last minute for many, and budgets are already stretched thin, BUT if you can find a way to make this happen it will be a HUGE deal for your wrestler.  This is one of the toughest tournaments with GUARANTEED MATCHES against the BEST-OF-THE BEST, as well as the PRIVILEGE to represent Indiana at USAW Junior National Dual Championship!
 
The National Dual Team Camp is this weekend, June 10th - 12th, at Lawrence North High School.  Registration is at 1 p.m. where you can bring your monies and info.  It is going to be a GREAT camp with some of the country's best athletes and coaches, so be sure to make it.  As it stands, below is the updated list and can/will be adjusted at the discretion of the Junior Team Coaching Staff.
 
Coaches:
 
Steve Bradley - Head Coach, Marian University
Travis Pascoe - Assistant Coach, Indiana University
Ben Wissel - Assistant Coach, Duke University
Dan Bedoy - Griffith High School
Gary Myers - Head Coach, Hamilton Heights High School 
 
 
Greco Team:
 
100 - OPEN
106 - OPEN
113 - Nick Brady
120 - Colin Poynter
132 - Bryton Goering
138 - Luke Schleissman
145 - Chris Rump
152 - OPEN
160 - Tristan Goering
170 - OPEN
182 - Noah Cressell
195 - Andrew Davison
220 - OPEN
285 - Daniel Phifer
 
Blue Team:
 
100 - OPEN
106 - OPEN
113 - Nick Brady / OPEN
120 - Ian Dembowski / Colin Poynter
126 - Josh Stephenson / Adam Jerde
132 - Jack Tolin / OPEN
138 - Luke Schleissman / OPEN
145 - Zach Worden/ OPEN
152 - OPEN
160 - Ranger Soots / Diego Limely
170 - Kameron Fuller / OPEN
182 - OPEN
195 - Anthony Ruhana / Keith Barclay
220 - OPEN
285 - Daniel Phifer
 
Gold Team:
 
100 - Josh Smith-Gohen
106 - Jacob Moran / OPEN
113 - Sammy Fair / OPEN
120 - Jacob Moran / OPEN
126 - Paul Konrath / Brock Hudkins
132 - Jeremiah Reitz / Breydan Bailey
138 - Austin Holmes / Zach Melloh
145 - Kain Rust / OPEN
152 - Noah Warren / OPEN
160 - Gleason Mappes / Alston  Bane 
170 - Jacob Gray / Jose Champagne
182 - Noah Cressell / OPEN
195 - Andrew Davison / OPEN
220 - Ethan Ellis / OPEN
285 - Sean Streck 
 
If you have any issues, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the information below.  I will adjust this list daily as spots continue to fill and updates are made.  We look forward to representing Indiana at our maximum potential at this prestigious and extremely competitive championship!!
 
Nick Hull
Team Leader
Indiana Junior Dual Team
317.800.5369
coachnhull@gmail.com 

I know this has went out on the Twitter universe, but haven't seen anyone bring it up.
 
Reece is moving out to California to become the new head of the Titan Mercury WC. Jordin is going along to help with the program.
 
Best of luck to both of them.

For those that don't know, TMWC is the top freestyle wrestling club in the United States.  They finished 2nd IN THE WORLD at the club world cup in Iran.  And Reece Humphrey is its new coach.  Tremendous, tremendous honor.

The Avon wrestling family would like to welcome two new coaches to the high school staff. Joining the staff are Zach Errert and Brian Smiley. We are looking for these outstanding and accomplished coaches to help lead the kids to the top.  
 
The Avon staff now includes 5 wrestlers that wrestled in the Big 10 and an Olympic referee. 
Israel Blevins (Purdue)
Davion Peterson (Purdue)
Brian Smiley (Indiana)
Aaron Crane (Indiana)
Jon McClain (Indiana)
Zach Errert (Golden whistle FILA World Championships)
 
We are proud and happy to have these new coaches here.
 
Welcome to #TheCounty

Respectfully, @carmelfan, please do not assume catching a glimpse at some notes penciled in on a scrap piece of paper was anything more than that - some notes penciled in on a scrap piece of paper.   There is a lot of interest in the trip and the Selection Committee is pilfering through fairness, results, prospects, coaches, families, programs, etc. in order to ultimately make the best decision for this year's team.  When the current official list is released, hopefully by Friday, there will be plenty of opportunity to pick it apart then.  Again, there are those that can and cannot make this trip, but whoever is fortunate enough to go will undoubtedly gain a great deal of experience and success. If everything comes together, we will also undoubtedly let the country know Indiana is for real on this level.  Standby everyone....

You are correct, it was in reference to that comment.  Last year Disney was the week after Junior Duals or right at the same time, if I remember correct.  There were a good chunk of national guys at this also, I believe that most of the kids on our team wrestled  1-2 state champs and/or a nationally ranked kid. This year Disney is earlier so I would even say there is a chance that the competition there might even be better, because kids might go to this before heading to Junior duals.  You had a better argument if you asked where did you blast them, because your more chastised and shamed them for choosing Disney over Junior Duals.  Sad part is that some of these kids could do both, but I'm not sure they will now. 
 
There seems to be a lot of ethical, questionable things going on behind the scenes.  I do feel this is getting blown out of proportion and is giving people a bad taste about all of us and the ISWA. I know that everyone that is posting for the most part are putting in their time to try to make all aspects of wrestling better.  Some peoples specialties are in different area's and your position is not an easy one by any means.  I get the feeling that it doesn't matter what anyone has to say or suggest to you because you think you have the answers and things in progress to solve the problem of the declining numbers. The part I fear is that it will end up being dumped on the coaches, clubs and all of us questioning the rules as the numbers continue to decline.  We (complainers as we have been referred as) are already being blamed for no wavers this year.  I am broken hearted for I fear your PRIDE of the belief you have things going the right way will be the continued decrease in Freestyle/Greco numbers and talent.
 
Now for the disclaimer because I know from you previous post that you are going to say something about this so let me cover it!  I am not saying everything the ISWA is doing is bad, hurting the sport or wrong to even try.  Some of the things and ideas you guys do are wonderful. You guys do a great job of getting great coaches to coach these Indiana teams and I think that ISWA does great at running big tournaments like (Folkstyle State). If you need me to continue about other great things you do than just say so and I will (I know you are going to say it doesn't matter to you, but I know it does as it should. I do a self inventory all the time and it is good to get feed back both ways).  The issues that I bring up are ones that I see affecting my small bubble, seems other have the same thing going on in their bubble.  You coach in a different area, an area with schools the size of some of our towns.  That to me is easily proven by how many clubs are around and in Indy, I can think of about 4-5 real good clubs. I, like you feel clubs/programs are started from the bottom up, which is why that is where you will find me in a few years. 
 
I plead to you to please take a long, hard, deep look at some of the things that have been brought up by a lot of us over the last few weeks.  We are not here to work against you, well I am not, but I feel ISWA needs to start thinking out of the box because not everything that works for others will work for all states and/or programs.  Just because another state is doing things a certain way is not a reason to stick with things that are not working in our state.  Maybe they have always done it that way or maybe when they changed to the way they are doing it now, it is better than the way it was before the change.  Like most relationships, all are different and different things work and succeed differently for different people, groups or state.

@warsawwrestling...where did I chastise? I'm assuming when I talked about kids wrestling on Disney All-Star team versus Team Indiana at Junior Duals?
 
@Y2...I'm not sure what would be said between the two as that is up to the Coaches to determine who goes in where and against who.  What I have told parents and the like is the same thing I said on this board:  if we truly want to try and win AT THIS TOURNAMENT we need our best kids and they need to be fresh.  Brandon James is back in town so I'll use him as an example.  We all know BJ, super stud, nationally ranked for several years, wrestles D1 now, etc.  Pretty tough kid.  He flew in from Disney to Oklahoma and his first match was against a 2x FL state champ who I believe he had never beaten. It was a battle, but Brandon injured his ankle in that match.  He wrestled once or twice more but it swelled up like a softball.  Needless to say he didn't finish the tournament and we had to forfeit that weight.  This is Brandon James we are talking about.  
 
Every year, because of how tough this tournament is, we ALWAYS have guys banged up, especially when they are not ready for this caliber.  What I do know is the best states have multiple alternates and they are all good. Illinois had Josh Alber and Jared Cortez at the same weight one year, so we are talking two 4x state champions, both ranked #1 and #2 in the country.  I watch Minnesota, Oklahoma, Michigan, etc...all of the best states...and their kids don't have a problem with it when I inquire.  Their answer?  "It's for the state, so whoever they put in needs to be ready and handle business either way."  This is because they take PRIDE in this tournament and winning a team title.  We don't.  Watching their matches, or even just hearing their duals (as we are always on the other side of the gym in the other pool) they are FIRED UP!!!  It is passion, it is intense, and there are bragging rights on the line.  This is a culture of wrestling that INDIANA DOES NOT HAVE.....yet.  Are there kids who want alllllllllllll the matches?  Sure.  But when we are at this tournament, it is a team and it is all for the team...or state.  Exhibitions are available too.
 
Either way, look up the results of Junior Duals from past years.  Look at the states who are in the top 8, then look at the top 4.  Now, look at their line-ups and trackwrestling profles.  You'll see.  If we want to be the best then we must model ourselves after the best and try and do what they are doing.  We won't be able to do exactly what they are doing but, by modeling ourselves after the best, we in turn will create our own path towards greatness.  Same thing individually.  If the best of the best kids in the country are training and wrestling in the international styles all summer - then that is what I'm going to do IF I want to be the best in the country.  If I don't care or want to be the best in the country then I'll do what everyone else is doing....like wrestle folkstyle all year round.  Simple. Proven.
 
Another example: so as Indiana Pride Wrestling Academy continues to grow and build (aiming for Titan Mercury, NYAC, Sunkist, etc), with the ISWA State this weekend, there are no other local Freco tournaments available.  I HATE HATE HATE to start training Folkstyle on Monday with the little ones, so I am looking at other opportunities for our kids (K-12) to continue investing in these styles.  With that said, we are taking a contingent to Central Regionals and maybe even one more USAW Regional.  Still, after that, even fewer Olympic style tournaments are available for our young kids.  We train year-round so the topic came up to take a team to Grand River Rumble.  I heard it was a great event....but it's still too early for me to even BEGIN to think about Folkstyle.  Ewww.  The best older kids are still training Freco at this time as Fargo is right around that time, which is where I will be actually coaching Indiana's "best".  So, because we want to model ourselves after the best, and get them used to this lifestyle, I am probably nixing Grand River Rumble and instead taking our kids to USAW Kids Freestyle and Greco Nationals in Wisconsin.  If we can do both, we will, as Grand River is a great team tournament I hear.  But if I only had $1 to invest and look for the biggest payoff, I'm taking them to wrestle in the kids freestyle and greco nationals.  This seed we plant won't sprout immediately, and they have countless Folkstyle opportunities anyway, but by planting it now, continuing to water it and nurture it, this little seed will flourish into something beautiful.  Hope is not a strategy. We will take the proven path.

We are taking the first 100 wrestlers who need to get their second tournament in to qualify for Freestyle State.
 
Please complete this form to sign up for the last chance qualifier.  Tournament Date: Wednesday May 4, 2016, weigh-ins: 5:00-6:00 PM, wrestling starts at 6:00 PM.  Tournament location: Lawrence North High School wrestling room, enter door 11. Lawrence North High School address: 7802 Hague Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256  
I've invited you to fill out the form CIA Last Chance Freestyle Qualifier Information Sheet. To fill it out, visit:
 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZBRZc828SAVdTgna_R070q4ftW8XmZGh75WVryVHV9M/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

You are 100% correct Nick this dialog is whats great about having such community at your finger tips, ideas and suggestions from all constituents. 
 
 
But to say that people are "selfish" because they disagree with the decisions and practices of the ISWA recently is a more negative and almost insulting thing to say to your constituents. What I at least interpret from this statement is if you don't agree then you are not attempting to better our State and community. People are offering suggestions based on their troubles with the system the By-Laws of the ISWA state that you guys will try to do right by them as of Article II Section 1 Points D and E
 
D) To promote and protect the mutual interest of it’s registered members and constituent clubs.
E) To cooperate with other groups and organizations in the promotion of Amateur Wrestling. 

Daddy Hatch-
 
No offense taken.  Ill go through these briefly:
 
1) I understand the beef about the waivers, being last minute and inconveniencing the parents who made adjustments to their summer schedule, only for others to turn around, skate the rules, and come in through the back door.  I get it. It sucked for those who followed the rules, and for the ISWA who provided the opportunity. Again, it was the coaches discretion on handing out the waivers like hot cakes.  But either way it's over.  With all due respect, there were some things that George Bush did that I didn't agree with before Obama got elected.  But any and all complaining I do isn't going to change what happened OR fall on ears who care or can do anything about it now. What's done is done. It'll be the same when the next POTUS takes over, whoever it is. I'm not downplaying it but when is it enough?  At what point does it pass legitimate concerns and then become just crying about it?  The horse has been dead, at least for me.  I have other more pressing issue to address  in my life other than something that happened last year.  Hindsight IS 20/20. It's over.  Moving on..............
 
2) I don't know how the ISWA can be more transparent with the current tools they have.  The meetings are open to the public, minutes are sent out, newsletters, etc. I agree that our website isn't set up to keep people on it.  I, like you, go on there the same amount - very rarely.  They do have an emailing list, with access to over 8,000 athletes. But emails change, especially for the younger crowd, so the info goes to the adults, in particular the club coaches, who have the responsibility to disseminate that info.  Still, I'd like for the ISWA to get a message board like this, or get a twitter account, or build an app, or do a better job at spreading news...but we can only play the hand we are dealt.  Here is a thought, since no one on the board is paid, how about we get another volunteer who specializes in social media to take over this area for the state?  Easier said than done, I know, because believe it or not we all have lives and families too.  But that doesnt stop them from doing the best they can, making adjustments, and continuing to improve under whatever circumstances are present. 
 
3) ISWA is a business, a non-profit business, which must rely on volunteers.  I'm certain if everyone were paid we would quadruple the interested applicants for some of these positions.  But it's all volunteer.  I'm assume you work full-time.  Do you work for free?  Probably not.  How long COULD you work for free?  Probably not long. Why? Because you have bills to pay and mouths to feed. Let's say you loved your job so much that you were able to work for free, and love put food on the table.  But what if you volunteered your time, out of sheer love, sacrificing your family time, money, extra curricular activities, money, etc. to put into this business, and you did absolutely your best with what you had......and there are still people talking sh*t CONTINUOUSLY on the hard work of you and your team.  
 
Let's say you have thick skin but you have a 60+ year old co-worker, almost like a mother or grandmother, with a heart of gold, divorced, cats everywhere, no husband, kids are gone, etc. who still has dedicated her life for the cause of this business and what it stood for, and who would give her last dollar to help you and anyone else...only to have people miles away on a computer talking so much sh*t on her hard work only because they disagree?!?!?  Please. This lady doesnt defend herself, but you as a man would absolutely take offense and hopefully step up and say something. Disagreeing is one thing, and I have no problem with disagreeing.  But when people take it overboard, which is their right, then that's where my posts come from today.    I'm not bothered by the ones who have concerns, I get ticked off by the trolls who KEEP harping on her and use every opportunity to stay on her head, especially when they haven't done anything as of late to help the situation.
 
For the record, people can vote....if they come, join, put in their time, and earn that vote.  But allowing all club members to vote, especially right before they leave for baseball practice, or stay at home from practice to play Call of Duty, isn't the wisest option as a business because they are not invested as much as they need to be, or only invested as long as they are participating.  No one on this board is still competing in tournaments themselves, but they are still involved.  How long will you be involved once your son/daughter has finished their career?  Probably not long.  But ALLLLLL  members on the board have essentially dedicated their lives to helping Indiana wrestling.  And if ISWA was a dictatorship, and I was in charge, some things WOULD be absolutely different.  But it's not.  It is a governing body with board members and committees full of people from all walks of life with a common purpose: Indiana wrestling.  
 
4) Not sure how to comment on this one.  No, i would prefer our best kids be at Fargo, as well as our mid and low level kids.  The problem many have now is we think all of the success at these national folkstyle tournaments make us a high level kid....until we go wrestle the REAL high level kids when and where it counts.  So pride doesnt have the best of me.  Indiana Pride does (plug) but not pride by itself.  If you think I or the ISWA prefer our mid level guys over our high level guys at Fargo, you are greatly off.  I think you are trying to insinuate that the ISWA is punishing the "high level" kids who don't wrestle at 2 whole qualifications, so therefor we prefer the less qualified?  If we didn't then we would make the high level kids happy by letting them do whatever and just show up for Freestyle state?  I answered that in an earlier post.  This doesn't make any sense.
 
What I am beginning to understand more and more is that my definition of "high level" kid is different from most. What would you constitute as high level?  State placer?  State Champ even?  If so, then yes we are way off.  Indiana has some good kids, but very few who can roll with the best in the country.  Maybe half of our state champs would All-American at Fargo, most of which would place low, and even fewer would make top 3.  Here, again is the issue: not nearly enough of our top guys even GO to Fargo, or UWW Cadets or Juniors. Another issue: Our top, top guys do alright, but #2 through everyone else basically get a hard-fought double dip. Much deeper issues are here than some funky qualifier.  AS A WHOLE: the quality of Indiana wrestling is not nearly as good as people think.  Wrestling at a national event, especially Folkstyle, does not help in any way the goal behind the requirements: higher quality and quantity of Indiana kids wrestling freestyle, more local freestyle tournaments and opportunities. 
 
#5)  I agree with you here the most.  Folkstyle is for the masses.  I didnt even know it was called "Folkstyle" until later in life.  When I was wrestling, as soon as the high school season was over, we went straight into Freestyle and Greco and didnt event think about "Folkstyle" wrestling until September/October. Same thing in college.  It wasn't until I moved back to Indiana that I saw all of these new "Folkstyle" tournaments. It was pretty sad already but it just kept getting worse and worse.  But yes it is for the masses. Not sure when, where, or how this came to pass.  Actually, the more I think about it the more I relaize the masses are following the masses, because they sure arent following the top 5% in the country.  The top 5% are training for UWW Cadets and Juniors right now.  What did the Indiana masses practice today? But I absolutely agree about it being a choice.  
 
Because of all of these new choices and options the kids have now, we have to adapt to the times. Next year Indiana Pride does plan to host a Beginners Freestyle and Greco Open, and even Freestyle Duals (in the traditional sense).  But every state is different.  It is a culture. Personally, this 5-8 year span to create some high expectation having little freestyle and greco monsters with Olympic dreams is what I envision to happen with this qualifier rule (not a cheap shot). But it is definitely a culture shift that must take place and will take some time. Absolutely an inconvenience for some in the beginning but over time it will pan out and be forgotten about. I wish we didn't have to have it and it was still a privelage to wrestle in these styles, and represent Indiana's National Team wherever.  The qualifier doesnt fix the mindset.  I put this burden on the coaches as the official liaison between the athlete and the sport, but yeah...
 
6) I also understand the abundance of athletes and opportunities in central Indiana vs. the rest of the state.  Believe it or not, the majority of Indiana Pride's program is made up of kids from programs outside of Indianapolis, where they may even be the only kid training in the off-season.  That sounds like a play the hand you are dealt type of thing.  It's easy for me to say "well just  get with your local club and blah, blah, blah" but the truth is I can only imagine how tough it is.  Again, this qualifier is essentially designed for this reason: to help give more schools more confidence in hosting these freestyle and greco events knowing people may HAVE to come.  
 
@Sig - Ha! Nice on the NUWAY statement, but INDIANA HAD KIDS OUT THERE WHO HAVEN'T AND DONT PLAN ON WRESTLING FREESTYLE!!!  Yes, there are college coaches at ToC and Iowa....but not the top programs.  I saw the Manchester coach at Perry Meridian's Freestyle and Greco Tournament too, but that doesnt mean much.  Tom Brands, Chael Sanderson and John Smith are not that worried about your kid winning ToC or going undefeated at the Viper Pit Duals.  Great tournaments, too young to matter, and it's more folkstyle.  They want you well versed.  I saw ALLLLL of these guys at Fargo.  Saw them, talked to them, picked their brains, etc. @ Fargo. Someone let me know when you see one of these guys, not a representative, but these guys at a summer folkstyle tournament.  Saying the ISWA doesn't support their own wrestlers doesn't require an answer as I sense the frustration.
 
The bottom line for me is if I only coached at Indiana Pride and was not on the ISWA board, I absoluely would be thinking different.  One of our coaches even wants to take our kids to Illinois/California/Oklahoma freestyle tournaments on the weekends and skip the local Indiana tournaments because there is not enough high-quality competition. I actually wouldn't be against it and am all for it......but I can't think like that because I have to keep the entire state in mind being on the board.  This would help us individually, but the state would suffer.   Even though we are training in Freestyle, local tournaments would miss out on these numbers, quality or not, and money.  If this got out of control then there wouldn't be any reason for this local club in B.F.E., Indiana, to even host a tournament because everyone is out of state. There goes the money.  This is kind of the position we are in now, but much much worse because we arent even training and competing in the international styles.  Like I said, being on the board comes with the obligation, which I embrace, of focusing on Indiana as a whole.

Although I am no longer a member of the board... I was at the time when the two tournament rule was made. Hindsight is always 20/20. The rule was put into place with good intentions. Now if we had more of you guys at the meetings on a Sunday (most likely when the colts were on), to tell us what to do.... Then whole situation could have been avoided.

With all of that said (and all that has been said over and over on this board). FREESTYLE AND GRECO ARE DYING HERE!!!

Enough belly aching, and more solutions. By the post on this thread, we have a group of guys that are passionate about freestyle. I would love to hear ideas that the ISWA can put into place to help save these dying styles. Ok... I get it. The two tournament thing is bad. But... What can we ALL do to bring freestyle back??? If we get rid of the two tournament rule, it will go back to slowly dying. What can we all do to get it going again?

We at Avon Wrestling Club have been kicking around the idea of week night tourneys next year. Although, many think that this years week night tourneys are not legit, I think that they could be an awesome way to get kids loving freestyle again. Please..... Let's here some ideas.

Nick,
Why do you think that a kid has to participate in a freestyle tournament to be good at freestyle? Just bc my kid didn't wrestle in a freestyle tournament doesn't mean he doesn't train freestyle. Just bc the tournaments he wrestled in on the weekends during 'freestyle season' were folkstyle has no baring on wether or not my kid can compete at a very high level in freestyle. Wrestling the 25 matches against 15 different states the last few weekends definitely was better for him then 4-6 matches he would have got locally. And yes winning USA nationals and Ohio TOC is good for the state of Indiana. RWA does their part in training kids in the international styles, so don't worry come Fargo time.

DISCLAIMER - My name is Nick Hull, with Indiana Pride Wrestling Academy, and I am on the ISWA board. These opinions are mine, and mine alone, and in no way reflect that of the ISWA board or it's members. If you take this personal, then I am talking to you.  If you don't take this personal, then now you can see the other side of this nonsense...for the record.
 
Now, with that said, to those with valid arguments and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism: this isn't for you.  To those on here with DESTRUCTIVE criticism and bask in this ignorance - that's your right.  But let's keep this in perspective:  Last year the ISWA allowed clubs to grant waivers to those families who legitimately had an issue qualifying, whether that be travel, ACT, injury, etc.  It was a last minute call to help families participate, but it backfired.  Not because it was a bad idea going out on a limb to help families, it backfired because of the gripers, complainers, and soap boxers who like controversy that chose to use this as another opportunity to take a big dump on a bunch of volunteers who do their best to help wrestling in Indiana grow.  But again, that's your right.  "Don't flip-flop" they say.  "Waiver-gate" they say.  "Stick to your guns ISWA" they say.  OK, so this year the ISWA is sticking to their guns, unfortunately at the expense of those families who need them now, and people are complaining still?!? Lol.  At some point, this goes through legitimate, to sad, to comical.  What specifically are we crying about now?  Doing what the "masses" asked for? "Sticking to our guns"?
 
To those families who LEGITIMATELTY cannot make the second qualfier because of whatever (injury is the biggest one in my book) and cannot receive a waiver - which sucks - thank the complainers who blew this out of proportion.  Thank the cranky, never-satisfied cries of those who could care less about your kid wrestling, or Indiana wrestling as a whole, but more than anything are focused on making the ISWA look bad.  Could the ISWA do better?  Well, of course!!  There are plenty of areas the ISWA could grow, strengthen, cut back in, etc.  But we are talking about VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Some of which who have dedicated their lives to the sport.  Meanwhile, it's sooooo easy and lame and honestly sad to sit on here and batch about it, as opposed to doing something about it - like come in and VOLUNTEER, reach out to your state rep, or just simply be positive!!  Take all of that know-how and expertise, since you have all the answers, and go enlighten the board, volunteer at a tournament, cut a check, of find ways to help instead of hurt!  The ISWA is open to everyone - still - and treats everyone with open arms.  Even if you drive all that way just to go rant, they'll listen, try to address it if they aren't already, and work to understand the issue and solutions.  Don't wanna hear it's too far.  Some travel hours to it, once a month let alone just once, because it's that deep.  If it was really that big of deal then you would too.  On the other hand, if it's not that big of a deal to you and you just find it entertaining to kick up dust - it's a poison.
 
Regarding the event Warren had last week, good job for them.  It was a great idea, thinking outside of the box to get another opportunity done, and followed all the rules: paid the sanction fee, weigh-in, skin checks, USAW#, offcials, and had a will to participate.  Even if we hadn't been invited I'd be looking to start one ourselves.  Hopefully, it does create more opportunities and ignites a fire to understand the severity of Indiana's lack of participation and success in the international styles.  This at least is the only good thing I see coming from this clamor - publicity for the international styles.  What was even more cool about this event for us was it was it allowed some who didn't plan on even wrestling freestyle to try it out.  We had 6 new h.s. kids who used this as not only their first freestyle event but as their first summer wrestling event period.  How can you truly get mad at it, or the ISWA, for ALLOWING the opportunity?  Because you weren't invited?  Because it wasn't on the schedule?  The ISWA didn't start or allow it to screw people.  It was an invite only, so it wasn't open to the public, kind of like an "Invitational", it was on a weekday as opposed to a weekend, and it was a last second thing from my understanding to give kids another opportunity to not only qualify but get more experience. Between the three programs, I'd say over 200 kids were there with their families, so it wasn't just a room full of 20 kids simply practicing.  
 
If it's that deep then you have two weeks.  Get with your club or academy, pay the sanction fee, invite some teams, get some officials, weigh-in, record participants and USAW#, and have at it.  IF you cant this year then put it on the books next year.  We need more of this anyway, along with Freestyle Duals, Beginner Freestyle and Greco tournaments, etc. There were several open weekends over the past month that could have used a tournament or two next year.
 
Lastly, it's still about quality AND quantity.  From a quality standpoint, what is the purpose in wrestling all of these national folkstyle tournaments and JUST wrestling freestyle @ state? To be a 12x ISWA Freestyle State Champion?!  Congratulations.  And then what? Do you possibly plan to go to Fargo, which is where the true best in the country are at? If you are serious about being one of the best in the country then you will plan to go to Fargo.  But, guess what????  Fargo is going to be a massive waist of money for you.  Do you know why?  Because there is a strong chance your son or daughter will get SPANKED!!!!!!  Why is that?  Because they didn't invest in Freestyle and Greco. Period. If you want your child to MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL in wrestling then you will invest in the international styles.  If wrestling is recreational for you, then keep investing in folkstyle.  Honestly, this is a black and white issue. There will be those who train Folkstyle all year, those who are seasonal, and those who will invest in Freestyle and Greco.  The results will take care of themselves on the back end - when it really counts.  Those who train folkstyle all year, along with those who are seasonal, may end up pretty good and have decent careers - but they will have never maximized their potential in wrestling. Wrestling, as you all know, is a lifestyle.  The programs, not even individuals, but the programs that consistently win, in high school and college, are those that train year-round and max out their training and participation in the international styles.  EMD? Perry? Warren? Iowa?  Oklahoma State?  Penn State?  Individually, it's even worse.   Either you choose to go to the qualifiers or don't.  It's that simple.
 
Again, these are my personal reflections. I've posted in other threads about my feelings of this requirement towards helping vs. hurting the state, so I won't even get into that.  If you choose to boycott freestyle state then that is your prerogative. For the record, the Warren event last week was the 3rd or 4th Freestyle tournament for most Indiana Pride kids, and they will be at Franklin this weekend too, not only to provide more participants at/for Franklin but to continue sharpening our skills in Freestyle and Greco. I know Indiana Pride will be at state in full effect trying to leg lace and gut everyone and their mama.  Who knows, we may even be able to stop a good gut wrench too. This way, when high school hits i know they will be even that much more ready for Fargo their freshman year, which means being one of the best in the state is not a goal but an expectation.  Hope is not a strategy.

DISCLAIMER - My name is Nick Hull, with Indiana Pride Wrestling Academy, and I am on the ISWA board. These opinions are mine, and mine alone, and in no way reflect that of the ISWA board or it's members. If you take this personal, then I am talking to you.  If you don't take this personal, then now you can see the other side of this nonsense...for the record.
 
Now, with that said, to those with valid arguments and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism: this isn't for you.  To those on here with DESTRUCTIVE criticism and bask in this ignorance - that's your right.  But let's keep this in perspective:  Last year the ISWA allowed clubs to grant waivers to those families who legitimately had an issue qualifying, whether that be travel, ACT, injury, etc.  It was a last minute call to help families participate, but it backfired.  Not because it was a bad idea going out on a limb to help families, it backfired because of the gripers, complainers, and soap boxers who like controversy that chose to use this as another opportunity to take a big dump on a bunch of volunteers who do their best to help wrestling in Indiana grow.  But again, that's your right.  "Don't flip-flop" they say.  "Waiver-gate" they say.  "Stick to your guns ISWA" they say.  OK, so this year the ISWA is sticking to their guns, unfortunately at the expense of those families who need them now, and people are complaining still?!? Lol.  At some point, this goes through legitimate, to sad, to comical.  What specifically are we crying about now?  Doing what the "masses" asked for? "Sticking to our guns"?
 
To those families who LEGITIMATELTY cannot make the second qualfier because of whatever (injury is the biggest one in my book) and cannot receive a waiver - which sucks - thank the complainers who blew this out of proportion.  Thank the cranky, never-satisfied cries of those who could care less about your kid wrestling, or Indiana wrestling as a whole, but more than anything are focused on making the ISWA look bad.  Could the ISWA do better?  Well, of course!!  There are plenty of areas the ISWA could grow, strengthen, cut back in, etc.  But we are talking about VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Some of which who have dedicated their lives to the sport.  Meanwhile, it's sooooo easy and lame and honestly sad to sit on here and batch about it, as opposed to doing something about it - like come in and VOLUNTEER, reach out to your state rep, or just simply be positive!!  Take all of that know-how and expertise, since you have all the answers, and go enlighten the board, volunteer at a tournament, cut a check, of find ways to help instead of hurt!  The ISWA is open to everyone - still - and treats everyone with open arms.  Even if you drive all that way just to go rant, they'll listen, try to address it if they aren't already, and work to understand the issue and solutions.  Don't wanna hear it's too far.  Some travel hours to it, once a month let alone just once, because it's that deep.  If it was really that big of deal then you would too.  On the other hand, if it's not that big of a deal to you and you just find it entertaining to kick up dust - it's a poison.
 
Regarding the event Warren had last week, good job for them.  It was a great idea, thinking outside of the box to get another opportunity done, and followed all the rules: paid the sanction fee, weigh-in, skin checks, USAW#, offcials, and had a will to participate.  Even if we hadn't been invited I'd be looking to start one ourselves.  Hopefully, it does create more opportunities and ignites a fire to understand the severity of Indiana's lack of participation and success in the international styles.  This at least is the only good thing I see coming from this clamor - publicity for the international styles.  What was even more cool about this event for us was it was it allowed some who didn't plan on even wrestling freestyle to try it out.  We had 6 new h.s. kids who used this as not only their first freestyle event but as their first summer wrestling event period.  How can you truly get mad at it, or the ISWA, for ALLOWING the opportunity?  Because you weren't invited?  Because it wasn't on the schedule?  The ISWA didn't start or allow it to screw people.  It was an invite only, so it wasn't open to the public, kind of like an "Invitational", it was on a weekday as opposed to a weekend, and it was a last second thing from my understanding to give kids another opportunity to not only qualify but get more experience. Between the three programs, I'd say over 200 kids were there with their families, so it wasn't just a room full of 20 kids simply practicing.  
 
If it's that deep then you have two weeks.  Get with your club or academy, pay the sanction fee, invite some teams, get some officials, weigh-in, record participants and USAW#, and have at it.  IF you cant this year then put it on the books next year.  We need more of this anyway, along with Freestyle Duals, Beginner Freestyle and Greco tournaments, etc. There were several open weekends over the past month that could have used a tournament or two next year.
 
Lastly, it's still about quality AND quantity.  From a quality standpoint, what is the purpose in wrestling all of these national folkstyle tournaments and JUST wrestling freestyle @ state? To be a 12x ISWA Freestyle State Champion?!  Congratulations.  And then what? Do you possibly plan to go to Fargo, which is where the true best in the country are at? If you are serious about being one of the best in the country then you will plan to go to Fargo.  But, guess what????  Fargo is going to be a massive waist of money for you.  Do you know why?  Because there is a strong chance your son or daughter will get SPANKED!!!!!!  Why is that?  Because they didn't invest in Freestyle and Greco. Period. If you want your child to MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL in wrestling then you will invest in the international styles.  If wrestling is recreational for you, then keep investing in folkstyle.  Honestly, this is a black and white issue. There will be those who train Folkstyle all year, those who are seasonal, and those who will invest in Freestyle and Greco.  The results will take care of themselves on the back end - when it really counts.  Those who train folkstyle all year, along with those who are seasonal, may end up pretty good and have decent careers - but they will have never maximized their potential in wrestling. Wrestling, as you all know, is a lifestyle.  The programs, not even individuals, but the programs that consistently win, in high school and college, are those that train year-round and max out their training and participation in the international styles.  EMD? Perry? Warren? Iowa?  Oklahoma State?  Penn State?  Individually, it's even worse.   Either you choose to go to the qualifiers or don't.  It's that simple.
 
Again, these are my personal reflections. I've posted in other threads about my feelings of this requirement towards helping vs. hurting the state, so I won't even get into that.  If you choose to boycott freestyle state then that is your prerogative. For the record, the Warren event last week was the 3rd or 4th Freestyle tournament for most Indiana Pride kids, and they will be at Franklin this weekend too, not only to provide more participants at/for Franklin but to continue sharpening our skills in Freestyle and Greco. I know Indiana Pride will be at state in full effect trying to leg lace and gut everyone and their mama.  Who knows, we may even be able to stop a good gut wrench too. This way, when high school hits i know they will be even that much more ready for Fargo their freshman year, which means being one of the best in the state is not a goal but an expectation.  Hope is not a strategy.

For those that care, Deondre is back home training hard for Juniors and University Nationals.  He has a dozen or so offers from several interested schools and right now we are just focused on getting him better as he should be out of here before the summer.
 
He was ranked first and he did have an incident a couple weeks before Regionals with an opposing wrestler, but he was awarded the win.  He sat the next match due to internal discipline for that incident, and wrestled the last match of the season. However, unknowingly to NIC, the opposing school went back several days later and changed the results from him winning 10-3 to him being DQd - ultimately resulting in him and his coach missing the Regionals getting EXTRA screwed. They were basically looking to get him out of the mix because he was the clear cut favorite, he was an easy target and the opportunity presented itself. NIC protested to the national association, lost, and that was that.  
 
His freshman year he went in ranked 8th, smashed through his competition, beating almost a dozen tough D1 opponents along the way and worked his way up to ranking 3rd in NJCAA.  However, he suffered a knee injury at Vegas early in the year during his win against Jade Rauser, continued to wrestle throughout the season on it, but eventually had to have surgery which ended his season before Regionals his freshman year. He was ranked 3rd when he ended that season. I'd like to believe he would have won that title as well but that's how it goes.
 
Clearly I'm biased but his spirits are up, he's dialed in, and has even more to prove to himself and the world both on and off the mat. It was disappointing on several fronts but there is a lesson to be learned: just win the match and walk away, regardless of how much crap the fans, opponents or whoever throws at you.  Strategies and tactics become very important when wrestling a dominant wrestler, and if there is a weakness, like a relatively short fuse, then it will be exploited. He's dealt with it plenty as many know, and I 've seen him pass 98% of the time.  But that 1-2% will cost you so you have to keep things in perspective.  Although it was the catalyst to the extra screwing he got, he understands it starts with him - unfortunately at the price of a potential national championship.  
 
One of the things that makes him so tough on the mat is his attitude of fighting for everything, and that is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Lol.  He is a very passionate wrestler, wrestling with his heart more than his head sometimes. It isn't his fault it's in him really but that is the beauty of our sport: it teaches us so much about life, adversity, success and failure, how to keep striving to get better, etc. Wishing him and expecting the best. 

For those that care, Deondre is back home training hard for Juniors and University Nationals.  He has a dozen or so offers from several interested schools and right now we are just focused on getting him better as he should be out of here before the summer.
 
He was ranked first and he did have an incident a couple weeks before Regionals with an opposing wrestler, but he was awarded the win.  He sat the next match due to internal discipline for that incident, and wrestled the last match of the season. However, unknowingly to NIC, the opposing school went back several days later and changed the results from him winning 10-3 to him being DQd - ultimately resulting in him and his coach missing the Regionals getting EXTRA screwed. They were basically looking to get him out of the mix because he was the clear cut favorite, he was an easy target and the opportunity presented itself. NIC protested to the national association, lost, and that was that.  
 
His freshman year he went in ranked 8th, smashed through his competition, beating almost a dozen tough D1 opponents along the way and worked his way up to ranking 3rd in NJCAA.  However, he suffered a knee injury at Vegas early in the year during his win against Jade Rauser, continued to wrestle throughout the season on it, but eventually had to have surgery which ended his season before Regionals his freshman year. He was ranked 3rd when he ended that season. I'd like to believe he would have won that title as well but that's how it goes.
 
Clearly I'm biased but his spirits are up, he's dialed in, and has even more to prove to himself and the world both on and off the mat. It was disappointing on several fronts but there is a lesson to be learned: just win the match and walk away, regardless of how much crap the fans, opponents or whoever throws at you.  Strategies and tactics become very important when wrestling a dominant wrestler, and if there is a weakness, like a relatively short fuse, then it will be exploited. He's dealt with it plenty as many know, and I 've seen him pass 98% of the time.  But that 1-2% will cost you so you have to keep things in perspective.  Although it was the catalyst to the extra screwing he got, he understands it starts with him - unfortunately at the price of a potential national championship.  
 
One of the things that makes him so tough on the mat is his attitude of fighting for everything, and that is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Lol.  He is a very passionate wrestler, wrestling with his heart more than his head sometimes. It isn't his fault it's in him really but that is the beauty of our sport: it teaches us so much about life, adversity, success and failure, how to keep striving to get better, etc. Wishing him and expecting the best. 

For those that care, Deondre is back home training hard for Juniors and University Nationals.  He has a dozen or so offers from several interested schools and right now we are just focused on getting him better as he should be out of here before the summer.
 
He was ranked first and he did have an incident a couple weeks before Regionals with an opposing wrestler, but he was awarded the win.  He sat the next match due to internal discipline for that incident, and wrestled the last match of the season. However, unknowingly to NIC, the opposing school went back several days later and changed the results from him winning 10-3 to him being DQd - ultimately resulting in him and his coach missing the Regionals getting EXTRA screwed. They were basically looking to get him out of the mix because he was the clear cut favorite, he was an easy target and the opportunity presented itself. NIC protested to the national association, lost, and that was that.  
 
His freshman year he went in ranked 8th, smashed through his competition, beating almost a dozen tough D1 opponents along the way and worked his way up to ranking 3rd in NJCAA.  However, he suffered a knee injury at Vegas early in the year during his win against Jade Rauser, continued to wrestle throughout the season on it, but eventually had to have surgery which ended his season before Regionals his freshman year. He was ranked 3rd when he ended that season. I'd like to believe he would have won that title as well but that's how it goes.
 
Clearly I'm biased but his spirits are up, he's dialed in, and has even more to prove to himself and the world both on and off the mat. It was disappointing on several fronts but there is a lesson to be learned: just win the match and walk away, regardless of how much crap the fans, opponents or whoever throws at you.  Strategies and tactics become very important when wrestling a dominant wrestler, and if there is a weakness, like a relatively short fuse, then it will be exploited. He's dealt with it plenty as many know, and I 've seen him pass 98% of the time.  But that 1-2% will cost you so you have to keep things in perspective.  Although it was the catalyst to the extra screwing he got, he understands it starts with him - unfortunately at the price of a potential national championship.  
 
One of the things that makes him so tough on the mat is his attitude of fighting for everything, and that is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Lol.  He is a very passionate wrestler, wrestling with his heart more than his head sometimes. It isn't his fault it's in him really but that is the beauty of our sport: it teaches us so much about life, adversity, success and failure, how to keep striving to get better, etc. Wishing him and expecting the best. 

Coach Hull you bring up some valid points.  I think some of the issue for some of us still, is the waver system and how everything went down last year.  I made this same statement last year......It is hard to take a program or group of kids that were used to not having to qualify and making them out of the blue! Yes, I know it was on the ISWA website, which most of us must not visit enough because there were a lot of people that didn't know about it. After months of back and forth nothing changed, than BAM wavers everywhere! 
 
You are in a tough spot, some of which you put yourself into.  I love freestyle and wish it was the only thing done after ISHAA State, but it is not.  There are several Folkstyle tournaments out there over the summer that will give Indiana kids chances to wrestle with the nations best.  Wrestling great competition makes you better, I don't think this is arguable. So, how do I tell my better kids to have faith with your proposal.  Tell them wrestling kids that they can beat in 10-15 seconds in 3 matches is better for the sport down the road.  But the trade off is that they have to waste their wrestling chances at these Folkstyle tournaments that will improve them.
 
I went through the Freestyle State logs from 2014 - 2015. The main thing I saw between the 2 years was that there were 12-15 upper place winners out of cadet that didn't come back in 2015.  Not a great look at improving the sport, if you are having to replace or rebuild each year.  I still think there could have been more done last year to save things, like excluding/wavering placers from the year before.  But true to form ISWA is hard fast in making and proving points over compromise.
 
I hope I didn't come across as to brash or pushy, just stating facts as they have gone down over the last few years.

We train freestyle we just don't want to be forced to wrestle in local freestyle tournaments, how is that hard to understand? I promise you that 3 matches in these local tournaments will be less then 2 minutes.  RWA trains freestyle and it is more then enough training to compete and win a USA national freestyle title.  Indiana state is also not required to compete in the central regional, which is the only requirement to wrestle in the national tournament.  So again I say feel free to skip state.  We won't bc we want to wrestle in schoolboy duals, but if teams were hand picked we would definitely just skip this.  I hate being forced to do something.  Don't underestimate the talent in Indiana.  If we want to compete in bigger events opposed to local freestyle tournaments I feel like it should be our decision to do so.

For those that care, Deondre is back home training hard for Juniors and University Nationals.  He has a dozen or so offers from several interested schools and right now we are just focused on getting him better as he should be out of here before the summer.
 
He was ranked first and he did have an incident a couple weeks before Regionals with an opposing wrestler, but he was awarded the win.  He sat the next match due to internal discipline for that incident, and wrestled the last match of the season. However, unknowingly to NIC, the opposing school went back several days later and changed the results from him winning 10-3 to him being DQd - ultimately resulting in him and his coach missing the Regionals getting EXTRA screwed. They were basically looking to get him out of the mix because he was the clear cut favorite, he was an easy target and the opportunity presented itself. NIC protested to the national association, lost, and that was that.  
 
His freshman year he went in ranked 8th, smashed through his competition, beating almost a dozen tough D1 opponents along the way and worked his way up to ranking 3rd in NJCAA.  However, he suffered a knee injury at Vegas early in the year during his win against Jade Rauser, continued to wrestle throughout the season on it, but eventually had to have surgery which ended his season before Regionals his freshman year. He was ranked 3rd when he ended that season. I'd like to believe he would have won that title as well but that's how it goes.
 
Clearly I'm biased but his spirits are up, he's dialed in, and has even more to prove to himself and the world both on and off the mat. It was disappointing on several fronts but there is a lesson to be learned: just win the match and walk away, regardless of how much crap the fans, opponents or whoever throws at you.  Strategies and tactics become very important when wrestling a dominant wrestler, and if there is a weakness, like a relatively short fuse, then it will be exploited. He's dealt with it plenty as many know, and I 've seen him pass 98% of the time.  But that 1-2% will cost you so you have to keep things in perspective.  Although it was the catalyst to the extra screwing he got, he understands it starts with him - unfortunately at the price of a potential national championship.  
 
One of the things that makes him so tough on the mat is his attitude of fighting for everything, and that is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Lol.  He is a very passionate wrestler, wrestling with his heart more than his head sometimes. It isn't his fault it's in him really but that is the beauty of our sport: it teaches us so much about life, adversity, success and failure, how to keep striving to get better, etc. Wishing him and expecting the best. 

Yes, sir, I completely understand about the bad taste from last year.  It was unfortunate the situation got out of hand as much as it did.  It was the first year the 2 requirement was implemented and was a tough transition for some, but believe it or not the decision was made in fact TO compromise.  Right or wrong, at the last minute because of the amount of last minute complaints, difficulties, reasons, valid or invalid, issues, etc.resulting from the requirements, the ISWA gave the Clubs power to grant waivers at their discretion. If the ISWA were trying to prove some type of point, they wouldn't have granted anyone access. It's not like the ISWA held their hand and at the last minute hustled everyone, which I think some people choose to believe.  
 
The waiver decision was genuinely to help those struggling families that needed some assistance.  Like if one's IPL was due for disconnection. Their car broke down, which cost them work, which put them behind, so they call in to ask IPL for an extension and it's granted because IPL knows not having power is not cool.  Rather than just allowing anyone and everyone to get in to the tournament if they filled out the waiver form, some accountability was called for which is why the Clubs had the power.  Our academy granted a waiver too, to a kid who had been injured all summer who just got cleared to wrestle the week before state.  He hadn't trained much but still was hungry for the opportunity, we all discussed the implications, and between him, myself, and the parents agreed  to let him to compete.
 
Still, trust and believe there was a team of 6-7 very dedicated ladies volunteering and working diligently to verify the 2 requirements on-site.  I had the opportunity to stand over their shoulders for a minute and looked at the process and I felt for them.  But, the ISWA hierarchy, whether some believe it or not, are genuinely very, very good people who VOLUNTEER their lives, not just time, to help the state of Indiana wrestling.  They aren't perfect and there is always things that can be done better, which is why they drive sometimes hours to meet once a month and discuss whats right, wrong, what needs to be fixed, etc, drive hours back, then turn around and drive hours to volunteer setting up, breaking down and running wrestling tournaments statewide, hearing the pros and cons of what they are doing, and still strive to push forward because of their love for the sport and our Indiana athletes.
 
On a side note, I don't hide behind the 2 requirement being posted on the ISWA website the night before either, as not everyone goes to the site and I understand.  I'm on the board and I barely go there for certain things, so I get the frustration.  Again, because they strive to get better, there are some new things being rolled out here soon to enhance the ISWA's online presence and better communicate with the Indiana wrestling community.
 
Now, as a coach, what I tell our kids is to look at the results.  Freestyle and Greco  make you a better wrestler so if there is an opportunity to wrestle in freestyle and greco, and there arent many - yet - then that is simply what we do.  Those 3 quick matches are beneficial because it is more mat time and experience in those styles.  Not everyone is fortunate to be that good in these styles, which is why they need these opportunities.  If they aren't that good in these styles, which is the case for the majority, then the confidence that comes with being fortunate enough to quickly disperse of 3 opponents, good or bad, goes a long way.  Winning is fun and having fun encourages more, and if the kid gets over-confident then that will also take care of itself when they get to the Cadet and Junior nationals.  Because there aren't many yet, any and every opportunity must be taken advantage of.
 
Personally, I MAKE our kids, ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL of our kids, train and wrestle in the international styles - IF they truly want to be great.  The kids that usually train with us are there because they do want to get better, meaning they are a little more dedicated than the average kid, so I may have an easier time influencing them than other programs.  However, this doesnt mean that I don't have to sell it, push it, influence it, propose it, stress it, and enforce it, not just with the wrestler themselves but also with mom and dad.  There is resistance and hesitancy, but again IF they truly want to get better and become good or great in this sport, they must cross this bridge and I let them know that right up front.
 
Although our h.s. room is one of the toughest in the state, we opened our little kids program two years ago to start the development process earlier.  The program is still in it's experimental stage but their progress, being sold the Olympic Dream (and I wasn't an Olympian either), has them having a lot of fun and getting better every day.  Even our little kids are raising their expectations by buying in and they don't even truly know it yet. Lol.  But it's already paying off big dividends for some and we haven't even scratched the surface.  Again, it's in the experimental stage, but it's tough trying to teach most of Indiana's best h.s. kids basic freestyle and greco fundamentals a week before Fargo and expect them to perform at a high level.  It's too late.  These issues must be addressed at a younger age.
 
The only way to address these issues it to train and compete in the style these issues are exposed in as much as possible. RTCs, which train in the international styles, are for Schoolboy and up, so that unfortunately leaves out opportunities for the little ones to train in the Olympic styles. This doesn't help them out any for this cause, and so it's easier to continue growing by wrestling in national folkstyle events. I get it.  I don't necessarily like this set-up of RTCs only being open to Schoolboy and up, but those are my rules I have to follow.  Still, it's ultimately up to the youth club or elementary school coach to introduce and sell it on their end.  My hope is we start seeing more Beginner Freestyle and Greco tournaments for our kids, similar to Beginner Folkstyle events, to continue getting this ball rolling.
 
I agree it hurts our improvement when/if some of our best Cadets don't wrestle the following year at state, much like when our best kids skip a local freestyle tournament for a national folkstyle tournament. However, the absence of these 12-15 placers may not simply be because they are boycotting it.  I know for a fact that Prom has kept some of our best Juniors out.  But yes, it does affect the smaller and larger picture, and yes we do in a sense have to continue rebuilding because each wave of kids all are missing basic fundamentals to win Fargo. Getting them more involved and experienced at a younger age is the solution.  Much like trying to build a dynasty - the feeder system must be strengthened.
 
To change Indiana's culture, there must be some tough decisions made.  As the RTC Director, enforcing the international style was a tough (but kind of easy) call.  Some coaches were elated, some were very hesitant, and a few couldn't commit to it because it didn't fit with their school program's agenda.  I COMPLETELY understood why.  But we had to make the move as a state, not for results today but for Indiana's success tomorrow, next year, in 5 years, 10 years.  Coaches, parents, and athletes must make a tough decision to specialize in wrestling, or go to this tournament or that tournament, or focus in the international styles or not, or where to train, etc.  Sometimes it's trial and error, but either way life keeps going and we all must continue to strive forward, right or wrong, hit or miss. This culture shift starts with each one of us, but yes it can be a tough decision and transition.  These discussions help so, no, you are good.  Thanks for the reply.

For those that care, Deondre is back home training hard for Juniors and University Nationals.  He has a dozen or so offers from several interested schools and right now we are just focused on getting him better as he should be out of here before the summer.
 
He was ranked first and he did have an incident a couple weeks before Regionals with an opposing wrestler, but he was awarded the win.  He sat the next match due to internal discipline for that incident, and wrestled the last match of the season. However, unknowingly to NIC, the opposing school went back several days later and changed the results from him winning 10-3 to him being DQd - ultimately resulting in him and his coach missing the Regionals getting EXTRA screwed. They were basically looking to get him out of the mix because he was the clear cut favorite, he was an easy target and the opportunity presented itself. NIC protested to the national association, lost, and that was that.  
 
His freshman year he went in ranked 8th, smashed through his competition, beating almost a dozen tough D1 opponents along the way and worked his way up to ranking 3rd in NJCAA.  However, he suffered a knee injury at Vegas early in the year during his win against Jade Rauser, continued to wrestle throughout the season on it, but eventually had to have surgery which ended his season before Regionals his freshman year. He was ranked 3rd when he ended that season. I'd like to believe he would have won that title as well but that's how it goes.
 
Clearly I'm biased but his spirits are up, he's dialed in, and has even more to prove to himself and the world both on and off the mat. It was disappointing on several fronts but there is a lesson to be learned: just win the match and walk away, regardless of how much crap the fans, opponents or whoever throws at you.  Strategies and tactics become very important when wrestling a dominant wrestler, and if there is a weakness, like a relatively short fuse, then it will be exploited. He's dealt with it plenty as many know, and I 've seen him pass 98% of the time.  But that 1-2% will cost you so you have to keep things in perspective.  Although it was the catalyst to the extra screwing he got, he understands it starts with him - unfortunately at the price of a potential national championship.  
 
One of the things that makes him so tough on the mat is his attitude of fighting for everything, and that is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Lol.  He is a very passionate wrestler, wrestling with his heart more than his head sometimes. It isn't his fault it's in him really but that is the beauty of our sport: it teaches us so much about life, adversity, success and failure, how to keep striving to get better, etc. Wishing him and expecting the best.