In a normal year we could say put in the 2nd place team, move on with the event, and end of story.
However, as far as the team series goes this is not a normal year. With the team series on the chopping block anything that disrupts the events is a clear sign of why the IHSAA doesn't think we need it. Yes, in a regular year Eastern needs to do what is best for their team. But again this isn't a regular year and even they may not have realize this would shake things up for the future of team state. Other teams have wrestled dual meets giving up multiple FF for a variety of reason, so its not like it couldn't happen here with what member are left while explaining the situation by saying the rest are out hurt/sick. While it may be what helps this years squad the side effect is that is will more than likely take a chance away from future squads. I hope the wrestlers are able to work through any illness (it is a bad year for it) and injury and can continue to compete. However, I fear the even if Eastern could come back and compete in team Regionals the damage has already been done by letting Mr. Cox know that a team wasn't going to show up for any type of reason. Out of all the years of the event this one is the one that had to be near perfect for those that want to prove its worth hold on to team state.