Red1

Who should decide where to hold next years tournament ? Everyone says the event is for the boys and girls. We are trying to teach them to be good citizens so at least let the finalists vote on what city should host the tournament for next year. Make the wrestlers know we value their opinion. At least consider what they think. Adults at tssaa and this board should value the finalists' opinion. They are our future.

Some of you may recall Bill Harlow. He is one of two people who won a division I NCAA championship and graduated from a Tennessee high school. He wrestled for 5 years in high school as a starter,but only lost one match. Three time NCAA finalist and second in the world.... Check out this site. It is a good read. http://www.wrestlingreport.com/2009-10_News/bill_harlow.htm

An elbow lock or a turned arm to the chest is not shooting for a take down.In my example neither wrestler was shooting for a take down.I think pushing a weaker wrestler off the mat is bad for the sport .I also think allowing your self to be pushed off the mat is also sorry wrestling.

I have seen stalling called when the stronger wrestler drives the weaker wrestler from the mat.I have no problem if the stronger wrestler is shooting for a take down,but I have a problem with the call if neither wrestler shoots for a take down.Even if this is done time after time it is no more stalling on the weaker wrestler than it is stalling on the stronger wrestler.I think the correct call is a no call or to call stalling on both. This is not sumo wrestling.

I enjoyed watching the Ensworth and Briarcrest fans at the finals of the Div II Invational.The match was held at the same time as theBaylor/Ryan final.The small schools' fans were loud.This should build excitement for the future.

kid wrestling can produce strange emotions for parents.I recall a kid tournament where one boy's father was standing 20 feet from the mat as his son was wrestling another little boy. the father was struck from behind by the other boys mother. The father was a very good former highschool and college athlete could have crushed his attacker, but he did nothing since he was a gentleman.However the father's x-wife came down from the stands and defended her x-husband by thumping the other lady....It was better than the kids' match.One of the boys became a state champion.I'll not tell the names unless authorized.