russianbear

This was a facebook message I received today and it isn't the only one. I obviously blotted out the name. "Ben, I am not a facebook guy, but it is best way to get in touch w you. I am very encouraged by your fight to move the state venue. It is, and has been, a joke. This season, a week after state duals, xxxx came down with gladitoral Herpes. The cow palace was the only place he had wrestled for the last 14 days before. From another kid who wasnt skin checked? or from the arena? we do not know, but he will live with the occasional outbreaks the rest of his life. If I can be of assistance please let me know. cell xxx-xxxx"

Yes, Franknbeans, that was me. Actually it was an incredible testimony to the generosity of the wrestling community. There were alumni, other coaches, referees, people I didn't know unaffiliated with our school and kids and anonymous donors that gave to the cause. God was, is and will forever be good. I would have paid for all myself if I could have afforded it and I would pay for a decent facility if I could afford to. What I posted was an idea. It would cost our team $75. What is your idea? BTW, having the state tournament in a free facility in no way reduces the cost for a team to compete in the state tournament (unless of course you implement the idea of a $15 weight management fee as opposed to $10).

I see your point Coach Kramer. Just an idea. To whom much is given, much is required. Of course I'd argue you have more kids at the state tournament. A good problem to have

"Now with all that said, I am FOR a different venue, but its going to cost money. Someone else is going to have to pay that money besides me and you. If you want someone else like the TSSAA or perhaps the State of Tennessee to cover those costs, I think we should focus on the pomp and circumstance and the total experience for our youth. I think that should be the issue on top of the list. Perhaps we should send the Governor pictures of the venues in use in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, etc. (has anyone made a list?) The health benefits (and I am sure there are some) should be below that." We agree. I'm all about finding common ground. I just found out that Mark Reeves actually reached out to Bud Hennebaul (the architect of the Georgia State Tournament) a couple of years back to find ways to improve the event. Unfortunately they never got together. But Bud just informed me that he is going to make an effort to contact him. Number 1 (of course) would be to change the venue. On this I think just about everyone agrees. Bud argued with Georgia that better venue equals better attendance. They were in the red for years and for the first year of hosting under one roof in the Gwinette Center. They've been in the black since - this includes offsetting the money they lose from the state duals. I'm not a fund raiser or an event planner. But I do have a few ideas. #1 the TSSAA currently requires $10 per athlete as a weight management fee. I propose making it $15. There's an extra 20K right away. I don't think too many coaches would have an issue with that if it was earmarked as a "state venue" fee. Other possibilities are endless.

Matt 73557, first off, I respect your opinion. Secondly, it's irrelevant (but I agree coaches should make the kids shower) how many people shower after matches. Personally, I wrestled from 7 years old until post college. In high school I showered after ALMOST EVERY tournament, including (Indiana 79-84)sectionals, regionals, semi-state and state. That was me, I can't speak for others. But again, it doesn't matter. I'm not sure if you watched the news cast that I posted earlier in the thread, but let me sum up what Mark Reeves said: 1) It doesn't stink enough to move it 2) There is no where else in the entire state of Tennessee that is large enough to hold it 3) No showers is a legitimate concern If you know anything about liability and being sued, you'd realize that it WILL BE MOVED and it WILL BE MOVED this next year because of the skin disease issue, no shower facilities being available and the liability TSSAA is bringing upon itself.

That's the sad thing. It seems to always be about the $

Don't be surprised if the Associated Press picks this up

Progress: http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/24832852/pig-auction-yes-prep-wresting-championship-no

Is this sarcasm?

12 mats would be ideal. However, according to Joe Blair 8 mats/double elimination can be done by simply starting 10 am Thursday instead of 2 pm. IMO this is doable. But I'd agree with you coach Peck, we need to keep double elimination.

Bo Watson has been contacted and we are following his recommendations, some of which I'll make public. He suggested to have an attorney create a petition to take to the TSSAA 1) Jeff Rufolo has graciously volunteered to do so. Please keep in mind he has his own pace 2) Gather some information - details provided when appropriate 3) Meet with Mark Reeves (we'd like for as many of you to be at this meeting as possible) with the petition and information I'll obviously let you know when the petition is ready. In the meantime please write to the governor and email, write or call the TSSAA (some already have, please don't just expect everybody else to do it). And be sure to thank ROOF! 2 x NJ pee wee runner up! Office of Governor Bill Haslam 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243 Primary (615) 741-2001 TSSAA.org

I was completely opposed to the split. And I was very vocal about it. I was shocked to discover that I seemed to be in the minority. At least among the people that spoke out about it. However, I've opened my mind (and heart) up a bit and am not ashamed to say I may have been wrong - at least to some degree. I've personally witnessed a few things over this last year. I won't make this long, but lets just say it is a tremendous boast for local communities. Local communities that need encouragement. Good news. Hope. The split has accomplished that and will continue to do so. More so then I anticipated. Yesterday our Principal was able to stand up and say Red Bank HS had their first State Champ in 5 years. Did he lie? No. Politicians hear that. Businessmen hear that. Parents hear it. Middle school kids hear it. To be honest all they hear is "state champ". Is that bad. No. Does it mean we need to split again? No. Like most other controversial topics the truth and answer is somewhere in the middle. Apparently D A-AA will get a bit smaller next year as D2 gets a bit larger. I hope and pray that there is no more 'splitting' until our participation numbers grow from the current 4300 to well over 6000. We need to set a mark and stick to it before the discussion on 'splitting' even comes up again.

My name is Ben Reichel and I’ve spent much of my life involved in the sport of wrestling. From pee wee leagues, middle school, high school to college as a competitor, fan, coach and parent. Wrestling has been very good to me in several different ways. It has given me recognition, completely paid for all my secondary education, and has brought irreplaceable relationship into my life. Since I’ve lived in Tennessee I’ve had the opportunity to witness the TSSAA Wrestling State Championship both as a fan and as a coach. I’ve seen Tennessee wrestling grow in participants, fans, and competitiveness among all age groups. To a wrestler, the pinnacle of events is the annual high school state tournament. Tennessee is blessed to have an overwhelming number of volunteers who strive each year to conduct a first class ‘Superbowl’ of wrestling. However, over the last five years, there is one thing that deeply concerns me. The venue used to conduct this first class event is not first class. In fact, it’s unclean, unsafe and frankly an embarrassment to wrestling fans state wide. The issues are many, far too many to solve other than changing venues. 1) No shower facilities 2) Uneven ground under mats 3) Dirt and dust which triggers allergies 4) Very high risk of skin infection 5) Leaking roofs above competition mats 6) Nowhere to change except the public restrooms for over 800 athletes and 70 referees 7) Nonexistent insulation resulting in very cold and drafty air throughout the complex including on the floor for competitors 8) Terrible sight views for fans 9) Nowhere for competitors to warm up once wrestling begins In short, an Agricultural center is conducive for agricultural shows, not wrestling tournaments. I understand that there is no charge for the facility, but everything has a cost. How much do we really want to charge the student athletes? Do we want to rob them of a well deserved first class experience? I think we can do much better. I’m willing to help in any way I can to improve the experience for these young men. Thank you. Sincerely Ben Reichel `

MFerguson, I couldn't agree more. I grew up in Indiana and when I was in 8th grade I saw the IHSAA State Championship at Market Square Arena (where the Pacers used to play) in Downtown Indianapolis. As shallow as it might sound, it WAS A HUGE deal. I daydreamed not just of winning a state title, but of competing in the same venue that the Pacers played. I can't tell you how many hours I spent visualizing myself competing there. I would stare at the championship program (sadly TN no longer has one) for hours on end as it had a picture of 8 mats on the arena floor on its cover. Would I had wrestled and been successful if the state tournament was in a cow barn? Maybe. But I can only speak of my own personal experience and what it meant to me.

Agreed Redknight. It is my hope that everyone who reads this post will either email or call the TSSAA with similar type concerns.

Reprinted with permission: I just wrote this to the TSSA and submitted it to their "feedback" sections on their website. Hey I know it's like spitting in the wind but I feel better. I think we need a top down and grassroots effort. Like Lee Varnell said get the legends involved (Jackson, Henry, Miller, Logdson, Eslinger...etc) but also work it from the bottom as well. Here it was: Dear TSSAA, I am a paying fan, former TSSAA ref, current USA wrestling coach, former college wrestling coach (NCWA), and former UTC wrestler. So you can see I love the sport and I hope the TSSAA does as well. I also am sure that you all mean well and have some good reasoning as to the location. My reasons for wanting the venue changed are: 1. Unsanitary conditions. A. No showers for the wrestlers or refs B. Walking through mud and dirt to enter. When I reffed the state tourney a few years back the back entrance was a dirt parking lot. C. Indoor air quality very poor. Too much dust and dirt in the air. Terrible for people with allergies. My eyes were burning after one day in the venue. 2. Safety - Uneven mats are dangerous to wrestlers and refs. Before the finals this year, the AAA had to be moved because of a large pot hole underneath the mat. 3. Professionalism - I applaud you for the light show and video, etc. that you implemented this year, but the bottom line is this is an Agricultural Center and no matter how much "lip stick" you put on it, its still an AG Center. As a fan, I would gladly pay $15 per day and $10 per day for parking if this was in a more professional venue. Please, for the sake of the students/athletes health and experience change the venue. Is this he best we can do? I don't believe so. Sincerely and Respectfully, Guy T. Harris.

Just moving the facility gwh. Ideally we will get the Bridgestone Arena. Reprinted with permission: I just wrote this to the TSSAA and submitted it to their "feedback" sections on their website. Hey I know it's like spitting in the wind but I feel better. I think we need a top down and grassroots effort. Like Lee Varnell said get the legends involved (Jackson, Henry, Miller, Logdson, Eslinger...etc) but also work it from the bottom as well. Here it was: Dear TSSAA, I am a paying fan, former TSSAA ref, current USA wrestling coach, former college wrestling coach (NCWA), and former UTC wrestler. So you can see I love the sport and I hope the TSSAA does as well. I also am sure that you all mean well and have some good reasoning as to the location. My reasons for wanting the venue changed are: 1. Unsanitary conditions. A. No showers for the wrestlers or refs B. Walking through mud and dirt to enter. When I reffed the state tourney a few years back the back entrance was a dirt parking lot. C. Indoor air quality very poor. Too much dust and dirt in the air. Terrible for people with allergies. My eyes were burning after one day in the venue. 2. Safety - Uneven mats are dangerous to wrestlers and refs. Before the finals this year, the AAA had to be moved because of a large pot hole underneath the mat. 3. Professionalism - I applaud you for the light show and video, etc. that you implemented this year, but the bottom line is this is an Agricultural Center and no matter how much "lip stick" you put on it, its still an AG Center. As a fan, I would gladly pay $15 per day and $10 per day for parking if this was in a more professional venue. Please, for the sake of the students/athletes health and experience change the venue. Is this the best we can do? I don't believe so. Sincerely and Respectfully, Guy T. Harris.

Just sent you a friend request. I'll add you as soon as you accept. Awesome Thadd. Love your passion.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1397456667182037/ If you don't have a facebook account, please create one. https://www.facebook.com/r.php?locale=en_US It takes about 3 minutes and you don't need any pictures. Just skip past all the unnecessary steps. Your input is welcomed, encouraged and NEEDED!

Is this really that important? Does it really matter. Let us unify and get an acceptable venue for the kids. But while we were on this subject I actually had a key to McClellan during my stint at UTC. Anyone that I wrestled with knows what I'm talking about. We accessed McClellan and the swimming pool whenever we wanted. Good times. Probably fortunate we never got arrested. Point being it wasn't exactly top notch security. Perhaps a few kids were able to access the showers. I don't think anyone feels compelled to lie about this just to win a silly argument.

bye bye cow palace

Awesome Lee. Thank you.

I heard that might happen. Can the TSSAA prevent that if it passes or do the coaches have all the power?

Let me just throw this out there. Thinking outside the box. What if we used buckeyeintn's schedule, but the weights and divisions were blind drawn Friday night for the finals? This would be especially exciting if team scores were close. For example 145 A-AA was the first match D2 170 was second match, A-AA 132 was third, A-AAA 106 next, etc.

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