Several topics
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 3:38 pm
I am probably spending way too much time reading this forum and you might say I should just quit. However, may I enter a few observations.
This forum was created to generate interest by Doc. Many people contribute and enjoy the back and forth debate. Some may be using it to push an agenda. I would like to say a few things about a few of the ideas floating out there. I have been accused of rambling about wrestling, so put up with me for a few minutes.
The rankings can be something of a predictor of the state results, I agree. To say that the rankings should then be taken into consideration for regional seeding tho is not valid. If you have been in seeding meetings there are criteria agreed to and used to determine the seeds. Not in any seeding meeting I ever took part in, there were many over the years, was a polls ranking ever considered. The rankings are based on coaches input. If only a few take part then that is not a true reflection of the season. Team polls were originally created to predict state tournament results not who is better in the regular season. Each year the power shifts. Regions cannot be realigned each year as one writer suggested.
Permitting JV's to enter the regional creates immense problems. Not the least of which Doc addressed by asking whose JV's get in. No body likes to see byes at the state tournament and the idea of a 5th place regional winner being put in has been stopped several times.
One idea was to go to a single class tournament. If people are concerned about getting the best to the states, that will not work. There will always be wrestlers left home who people believe should be there because of some wins during the season no matter the regional alignment or format. WV left a single class format years ago to give more kids a chance.
The WVSSAC new class alignments for 2016 - 2020 has generated a lot of discussion for all sports. Wrestling is not the only one affected. Perhaps there should be a real 3 class tournament like several of the other sports as well as a team tournament. Get committee coaches and principals support for both.
Finally, WV high school wrestling needs more kids. Some schools can not and will never be able to come up with a full team. What some do successfully others can't. Take the team for a demonstration to the middle school during resource. Do not come down on schools with small squads. Everyone wants more. Communities want more. Work with what is available and work to improve.
This forum was created to generate interest by Doc. Many people contribute and enjoy the back and forth debate. Some may be using it to push an agenda. I would like to say a few things about a few of the ideas floating out there. I have been accused of rambling about wrestling, so put up with me for a few minutes.
The rankings can be something of a predictor of the state results, I agree. To say that the rankings should then be taken into consideration for regional seeding tho is not valid. If you have been in seeding meetings there are criteria agreed to and used to determine the seeds. Not in any seeding meeting I ever took part in, there were many over the years, was a polls ranking ever considered. The rankings are based on coaches input. If only a few take part then that is not a true reflection of the season. Team polls were originally created to predict state tournament results not who is better in the regular season. Each year the power shifts. Regions cannot be realigned each year as one writer suggested.
Permitting JV's to enter the regional creates immense problems. Not the least of which Doc addressed by asking whose JV's get in. No body likes to see byes at the state tournament and the idea of a 5th place regional winner being put in has been stopped several times.
One idea was to go to a single class tournament. If people are concerned about getting the best to the states, that will not work. There will always be wrestlers left home who people believe should be there because of some wins during the season no matter the regional alignment or format. WV left a single class format years ago to give more kids a chance.
The WVSSAC new class alignments for 2016 - 2020 has generated a lot of discussion for all sports. Wrestling is not the only one affected. Perhaps there should be a real 3 class tournament like several of the other sports as well as a team tournament. Get committee coaches and principals support for both.
Finally, WV high school wrestling needs more kids. Some schools can not and will never be able to come up with a full team. What some do successfully others can't. Take the team for a demonstration to the middle school during resource. Do not come down on schools with small squads. Everyone wants more. Communities want more. Work with what is available and work to improve.