Just saw the schedule for the State Tournament on SCMAT. I don't think it's very fan friendly. Any thoughts?
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Haven't seen it but don't like the idea of the semis on Friday night, nor the such an early start on Friday.
Biggest complaint isn't overcrowding, it's the "arena" (which is much more suited to host amateur pro wrestling events and trade shows) All these scheduling issues are a non-starter if the root issue of an absolutely atrocious venue are addressed. Plain and simple.
The regional location in the early rounds would allow those people with work related restrictions, etc..to actually get to see their kid wrestle. They would not have to take on the cost of hotel, travel, etc.. not even knowing if little Jimmy will be murdered by the likes of ParTerre and TJ Dudley in the first two rounds. They get to see their boy wrestle without the expense. If Jimmy makes it to state then they can make arrangements. It's reward without risk where the regional is concerned.Wouldn't quite compare the fan bases, or culture relevance of wrestling, of PA, OH, and NJ to what we find here in South Carolina. Also, those state tournaments are EVENTS and destinations for families of current and past wrestlers to attend. As dead of a city as Atlantic City is, I know numerous wrestling families and former teammates that head there and Hershey every March. Let's be fair Anderson, for all it's recent growth and prosperity, isn't the most attractive city for marginal fans to attend.
I still don't see how the issue of athlete safety (no showers, come on) is still something the HSL refuses to address. This venue is the equivalent to a $3.99 truckstop steak.
JYMF,
I have brought up the idea of the schsl league "charging" a "sanctioning" fee for all invitationals held during the season many times. Pretty simple, each tournament must register with the HSL and send in their $100 in order for the tournament to be sanctioned. The $$$ raised would then go to a venue for the state tournament. What is your guess as to the amount of tournaments held in the state during the season? If it is 50 tourneys, that raises $5000 towards the venue. Plus I am sure the number is higher than 50.
Not enough $$$ says TRDog. The next will take a little work by the hsl, but put together a program for the event. A real program, not just printed brackets. Sell ads in the program. Raise another 5 to 10 grand on ads. Now, you have the $$$ for the venue and don't have to rely on attendance.
But, the HSL will have to buy in and do some work for the tourney. As a wrestling community we must get together and demand they stop taking the easy way out, the path of least resistance.
I will apply for the job posted at the HSL. Pretty sure I am qualified, but I don't think they will look at me. Couple things working against me, the worst of which is they already know my name down there for some reason.
TBowe
Wouldn't quite compare the fan bases, or culture relevance of wrestling, of PA, OH, and NJ to what we find here in South Carolina. Also, those state tournaments are EVENTS and destinations for families of current and past wrestlers to attend. As dead of a city as Atlantic City is, I know numerous wrestling families and former teammates that head there and Hershey every March. Let's be fair Anderson, for all it's recent growth and prosperity, isn't the most attractive city for marginal fans to attend.
I still don't see how the issue of athlete safety (no showers, come on) is still something the HSL refuses to address. This venue is the equivalent to a $3.99 truckstop steak.
Schools need to start hiring wrestling people as coaches. Not hiring Billy Bob to make sure we have a "good" offensive/defensive line coach, and by the way will also need to "coach" the wrestling team.
Take a look at many of the top level programs...they are ran by people with extensive wrestling backgrounds....successful college and high school wrestlers, etc....
There are certainly some strong programs being led by guys without the background but get it done through hard work and a willingness to learn and provide opportunity for kids.
Point is....the wrestling program has to be the priority, not just "part of the baggage" that comes with getting the teaching job.
More programs that are successful will lead to greater numbers in the seats. HSL can certainly help with this. Diluting the competitive opportunities, the state tournament. etc.. by creating five divisions is a step in the wrong direction.
@ParTerre57 Maybe it was a typo but, I was saying that the lack of reporting and coverage IS a negative.I truly don't see how the pointing out of the lack of coverage or reporting is a negative.
@countykid ...How is it "once you get parents involved...it's over." Curious as to what that statement truly means?!?!?!?
So many comments I want to make, I will hold my tongue.
Get what you're saying Buckeye, but pushing students into education is not as easy as it sounds. Generally our country/society/culture is becoming more educated and qualified for careers that require specialized training and skills. So for all of the possibilities and career choices out there, why would a kid choose education over another career that will pay two to ten times as much. On average a new teacher in the field lasts about 3 years. Young coaches go in, go hard core for a few years and then life and reality hits with marriage, kids, bills, mortgage, etc..I concur but would add to it that we as coaches / teachers / educators need to be pushing our athletes in the direction of being teachers / coaches. Getting them into teacher ed programs in college and then getting them in middle / high schools would go a long way to helping this as well. How many of our seniors go on to major in education in college? (not that you have to teach to coach but it certainly helps).
Keep in mind also there are quality young coaches who wrestled in college out there who become teachers, coach for maybe a couple years then give it up for various reasons.