JMILL

Howie trolled you all and you bit the hook.  Hahahahahahahaha

you got 'em @bluemonster

in all seriousness the Bailey boys are great kids and do a lot for the wrestling in the state of IN as did their dad so it great to see it continuing on.

Who’s the idiot that started this whole trip and caused all these problems???
 
oh wait… it was me!!!  
 
Congrats to all the kids, team leaders and parents that had the honor of going. 
 
As I sit here on a beach in Mexico with a couple handfuls of young men that made the trip several years ago, I assure you will look back with great joy and will never regret your efforts. 
 
thank you for @JMILLfor continuing this great tradition. We will never please everyone, but who cares. Super proud of you all!!! 
 
Matt Brewer

I support the #ISWA! There Jmill..

This may be the most ignorant thing I have read in a wrestling forum my whole life. You clearly do not know how this trip, nor how wrestling works in this country at all. Maybe sit back down in your recliner, and keep pretending you know anything about wrestling, but do us all and the rest of the state a favor. Keep it all in your head. We’ve lost enough brain cells reading your posts to last a lifetime. 

Also dont text this number and expect a response during the The Bachelor!

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

@Hereforthe2s and @MatTime feel free to call me directly at the number listed on my posts to discuss this and your concerns as we put A LOT of time and have tried this multiple different ways for the past many many years and no matter how we select the teams someone ALWAYs has a complaint.  I am always willing to listen to anyone who thinks they have the solution but would ask you all to believe that we have tried it many many different ways and are always trying to find the best and fairest way to pic the the best and most competitive team to compete at this event.  Thank you all for your support !!!

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

maybe we should all just agree that a guy who (pee's while skiig) @IPSking isn't worth everyone's time and attention and certainly doesn't speak intelligently for the masses all while not identifying who he is.

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

I’m not from the burg but appreciate a good thing! 
 
I’ve been deeply involved in wrestling a long time and the formula is there but takes a ton of effort! 
 
1st starting young at academies and building relationships with partners and like minded kids and spend a lot of time together! Good clubs focused on technique and then in high school you have rules for training outside of your room so kids stick together and want to train together!  When kids bond and all love and support each other it creates something special! All top team train and spend a ton of time together in the offseason which keeps them accountable and making better decisions! Mccory you always see those kids together and happy for each other! 
 
2nd parent committment and listen a kid can only do so much unless johnnys parents are fully involved financially and emotionally! It’s a ton of travel, schedules are crazy and getting them around the best coaches sometimes depending on where you live takes a lot of effort! 
 
3rd coaching! Coaches set the tone and get kids to buy in to a big picture! Brownsburg did a great job with all kids having the same vision! And when you have state level kids all sharing the same vision you work harder and have self belief! 
 
4th school system! How is the education? Who is strength coach! Crown point for example has a great education and I’ll argue to ANYONE the best strength coach in the country! He’s phenomenal! School system AD, coaches, education all play a factor as well! 
 
When all these things click it builds cp, brownsburg and center grove! Perfect storm! Location helps too! All three have multiple club options

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

I disagree with this post.............. Skipper is good looking

I disagree with this post.............. Skipper is good looking

I was asked by ISWA Folkstyle Development Director and Owner of Contenders Wrestling Academy to post this on his behalf.

 
Heartland Duals Selection Process: A Closer Look at Indiana's Approach
When discussing the selection process for Indiana's national team, it's crucial to first consider the goal: to put the best possible team on the mat, representing our state in national duals. While this might seem obvious to some, there may be differing opinions on the exact method and the criteria we use. However, when looking at other states, it becomes clear that the goal is to field the strongest team possible. If Indiana wants to be competitive on the national stage, we must follow suit. This article seeks to explain the rationale behind the selection process, the challenges involved, and how we aim to ensure fairness and objectivity.
1. What is the Goal of Selecting Indiana's National Team?
The overarching goal when selecting Indiana’s national team is simple: to field the best possible Indiana product. This means selecting athletes who give our state the best chance of winning a national dual. While some might disagree with this approach, we must recognize that other states are already taking this route, and to compete effectively, we must strive to put our best team on the mat.
A. How is the Committee Selected?
The process of selecting Indiana’s team begins with the elementary and middle school duals state team champions in each division. These champions are granted a representative spot. After that, two board members—typically the team leaders—are assigned. Then, two additional members are selected at large, with a focus on underrepresented parts of the state. For example, if there are no representatives from Fort Wayne, Northwest Indiana (NWI), or southern Indiana, we ensure someone from those areas is included to maintain state-wide representation.
Although the members of the committee have never been publicly disclosed—out of respect for those who volunteer their time—NWI has traditionally had representation, for the sake of clarity. It’s important to note that the primary goal of this committee is to ensure that the best team, representing the whole state, is selected.
2. Why Have a Selection Process in the First Place?
The question of why we have a selection process rather than just relying on tournament results is a valid one. There are a couple of key reasons for this approach:
Elementary Team Selection
At the elementary level, there is no state tournament that occurs in time to properly prepare for the national tournament. Without this crucial tournament as a selection criterion, we cannot simply say, "This tournament equals this spot." The selection process must, therefore, account for factors beyond the results of a single tournament.
Middle School Team Selection
Some may ask, "Why not just use the middle school state results as the selection criteria?" The answer is more complex than it seems. First, middle school weight classes do not align with those used in the Heartland Duals. In previous years, before the addition of 5th graders and weight changes, the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) determined weight classes. While the Indiana State Wrestling Association (ISWA) did request alignment, the Coaches Association voted against it. My guess is that the larger number of weight classes at middle school state creates more opportunities for athletes, even though it complicates the Heartland selection process.
For example, at middle school state, Indiana has a 138-pound and a 144-pound weight class, while the Heartland Duals weight is 140 pounds. Who gets the spot—the champion at 138 pounds or the champion at 144 pounds who can make 140 pounds? The latter might say, "I didn’t need to make that weight for state, but I’ll do it to help Indiana win a national title." These nuances are why the selection process cannot be solely based on state results.
Another example would be the 150-pound weight class. If the best team at that weight is represented by the top two wrestlers at 144 pounds, instead of the winner of 150 pounds, the selection process must be flexible to allow for that scenario.
3. What if a Kid is Eligible for Heartland but Not for Middle School State?
The topic of "reclassified" wrestlers often sparks debate. While this is a different discussion, there are instances where these athletes may be the best Indiana has to offer at a particular weight class. In these cases, even though they might not compete at middle school state, they may be more than capable of representing Indiana at the Heartland Duals. We aim to focus on getting the best athletes, regardless of whether they competed at the state tournament.
4. Why Not Use Open Wrestle-offs?
Many people have asked why we don’t simply hold open wrestle-offs. While this idea has been tried in the past, it hasn’t always yielded the best results for a few reasons:
a. Logistics and Participation
Some athletes may not show up for a wrestle-off without knowing they’ll have an actual match. For instance, Jesse Mendez once drove three hours just to sit at a wrestle-off and wait for an hour to see if he would be challenged—twice. Asking kids and families to make that kind of commitment year after year is a tall order.
Additionally, not every athlete can attend a specific wrestle-off date. What if that date conflicts with a middle school conference, a family wedding, or other obligations? It’s not always feasible to expect every athlete to be available on a single day, especially when we’re trying to ensure the best athletes are on the team.
b. We Need to Eliminate Uncertainty
Some argue that wrestle-offs are unnecessary because athletes just competed in tournaments like state or Indy Nationals. However, there are always scenarios where the outcome is questionable—like if an athlete loses due to a bad call or injury. To account for these situations, we offer an open wrestle-off. This ensures that every decision is based on actual competition, removing any doubt about who deserves the spot.
5. Addressing Some of the More Nuanced Complaints
a. Why Have a Rematch Wrestle-off?
Some argue that wrestlers should not be allowed to rematch after a state tournament result. However, various scenarios—such as a controversial call, an injury, or an unusual circumstance—can affect the outcome. A fair selection process must consider these factors. Since middle school state is not the official selection criteria, it cannot be the final determining factor. We cannot, on one hand, claim that middle school state is not the determining factor in this instance or weight, but then treat it as such in another situation. Therefore, a truly open wrestle-off eliminates any gray areas in selection, while still giving us a recent result to help guide the process.
b. Why Not Have the Challenging Wrestler Go to the Challenged Wrestler?
We have tried this approach in the past, but it hasn’t been practical due to the logistics involved. Setting up wrestle-offs in multiple locations, hiring officials, and ensuring accuracy and consistency across the state would be too time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, arranging a day and time that works for everyone is a challenge in itself.
6. Addressing Team Selection Changes
I would also like to address that the selected team sent out may not be the team that was originally selected by the committee. In some cases, athletes decline the invite, change weight classes, or cannot make the trip for any number of reasons. Once someone declines, we continue to reselect and move down a list. The list that is posted includes only athletes who accept their selection. At the time of each selection, I personally call and explain the process to each member. They are fully aware of the wrestle-off, location, selection process, and how this process was handled—there are no surprises.
7. Addressing the "Conflict of Interest”
Lastly, I will address the so-called "conflict of interest." Yes, I do own Contenders Wrestling Academy, and I’m confident it is one of the bigger academies in the state. Over the years, our academy has been represented very well at this tournament. Is that because we get some huge wrestle-off advantage with me being in charge? Honestly, I think that view is really short-sighted—and, quite frankly, it’s a slap in the face to the kids who train and compete at our academy.
If you look at the high school results from this past weekend, you’ll see that athletes from our facility can actually wrestle. Is there some grand strategic play where I host wrestle-offs in my building just to make sure my kids make the team? Actually, no. I was letting the ISWA, a non-profit, use it for free to help save money. But after that complaint, I moved it to a high school and we’ll pay a fee to avoid any "conflict of interest." So, no, I didn’t strategically place my academy 20 years ago in central Indiana with the foresight that if something like wrestle-offs needed to happen, I would be giving an advantage to all my athletes. It just so happens that the center of the state is where wrestle-offs take place for logistical reasons. I don’t think many northwest Indiana kids would want to travel to Evansville, or vice versa.
So, if being in the center of the state is somehow a conflict of interest, then I’m sorry. I’m one of the board members of the ISWA for one reason: to help Indiana wrestling. If you ask honest people who have been involved in any national team I’ve been a part of for the state, I’ve always tried to do what’s best for Indiana, while also being fair. This trip has been a part of the ISWA before I joined, but I believe this is my 10th year involved now. I assure you that the time, posts, and emails spent to make this trip happen aren’t worth any "quote-unquote" benefits you think it has for my business. I’m in this role as a volunteer, and I’m confident that my athletes would make the team, regardless of whether I’m the board member running the process or not.
I’ve never posted on this site—no offense, Joe—but I chose not to give my opinions on things in online forums. I prefer to gather all the knowledge first and speak to the involved parties, rather than accusing them of personal gain from a volunteer position. But I felt it was necessary to come on here and explain my reasoning behind the decisions made. I’ll also say that these decisions aren’t fully mine; they are board-related. I just attach my name to them as the director of this area, and I won’t throw others under the bus.
I know some people may feel my reasoning is wrong, or that the process is flawed, and maybe we should change it. Believe me, I wish there were a more straightforward way. But for now, this is the system we have, and I believe an open wrestle-off is the best way to end all debate or awkward scenarios. As the team lead, I’ve tried to be as fair and unbiased as possible. I assure you I have no conflict of interest—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to create an advantage for my athletes.
I will not respond further, and I’m sure there will be more negativity or problem-solving in this thread. Some people will try to poke holes in my logic, and that’s fine. I’ve never claimed to have it all figured out. I just know that I try to be fair. With my integrity called into question, something was accomplished: after 20 years of coaching and over 10 years of volunteering in this state, I finally addressed something posted about me on IndianaMat.
 
- Ryan Parrish

@jets
I will say in my opinion here is the answer to your questions...........
 
sometime around '05 the youth club was kicking into full gear (I joined in with my oldest son about '07).  That youth club gave a large group of kids/good & great athletes the love and direction for the sport and it continued to grow until they needed more.
Then a lot of them went to local academies in their back yard or nearby town (CWA,RC).  This helped to take all these kids to the next levels in their own right.
There is always parental support which is HUGE and can not be under-estimated as this is crucial !!!!!!
The head Coach is great and can literally sell ice to eskimos and get the kids to buy in to any goal and direction.  He surrounds himself with mostly top level guys that share the same goals and directions for the program and individuals.
Lastly I think there is the right place right time aspect because it seems like the affordability of the community made it possible for people to call home and then the success of the program became like a snowball rolling down hill and with anything else the better and better something is the more and more people outside want to be a part of it.
At the end of the day winning is important and is contagious and attractive to people.
The key is going to be longevity and how long will this last and keep going.  Its been a long great ride so far so here is to hoping it continues.

@V and M's Dad very funny Mr. Wyatt, but unfortunately this thread and the subject above is not a laughing matter.  How about your positive comments & support for the trip and great work by the ISWA instead as that would go a long way to the complainers know they are in the minority

And don't silence my brother Mr. Wyatt! When I messaged you today I got a picture of everything he said and the finalist from The Bachelor rose ceremony! 
 
Now lets be happy and get ready for a good time with good families and kids at Heartland Duals 2025!

JMill, my son has been fortunate to be a part of a Heartland Duals team for the past four years. I understand the commitment and work that goes into these trips. It is a great trip with a lot of memories of the kids hanging out and just being part of an Indiana team and not worrying about what school they are going to. All just wanting to do well for their team and represent Indiana well at this big state dual tourney. Family experience on this trip has always been great. Get to meet people from across the state that we don't normally get to see often.  
 
I spoke with you earlier today about my frustration, but that is all it is, frustration. Doesn't change the fact that this is a highly sought after wrestling experience for our kids that ISWA gets to provide. I can say from my own families experience, it is something we mark as a goal for my young wrestler to strive for. 
 
I appreciate you, the work the ISWA is doing to provide opportunities and grow the sport. It is only making Indiana better to do these events. 
 
People will vent frustrations. Perhaps somewhere in those frustrations is a kernel of a way to make small adjustments to make the event/opportunity even better. Since a spot on one of the teams is so highly sought after, there will always be frustration and bitterness because two spots only necessitates excluding some really decent wrestlers. You have been around a long time and you know this already. 
 
Regardless, I appreciate the years of work you and the ISWA have put into our State's wrestling program. Without it we would be losing some great opportunties for our kids.