1prouddad: We do have a couple of new teams. Upper Arlington and Nelsonville York decided to change some things up, so they opted out. Gonna miss both teams. Thought they were both huge upsides for our tournament and they brought it!
Filling those two spots will be Bishop Ready and Teays Valley. Again, both teams have their studs.
As for schedule of the tournament: I, too, would like to return to a one mat final, complete with Parade of Champions. I think no matter the location, varsity tournaments (individual, bracket-style especially) ought to ... ought to ... I'm thinking honor but I think I'll go with celebrate the guys who have made it to the finals. Additionally, I think the wrestler who wins the tournament should be rewarded (hence our individual awards). Lastly, the team that walks out as the victor should also be presented with something that they are proud to display. I couldn't be more pleased with the team awards we give out. (Actually, if we won one, that would be cool!)
I can't remember if I taped last year's finals or not. I want to make sure I do that this year. I also want a host of pictures taken during the semifinals and finals. Kids love that stuff! And, relatives who live out of the area or even state can see who little Johnny is up to these days.
Tournament website:
www.thecruiserinvitational.webs.com
EDIT: I still would like to get someone to hand out awards. Ohio-RTC, Spielman, Fickell, Tommy Rowlands, Jim Tressell, Urban Meyer, Archie Griffin, etc... Some of these guys are/were wrestlers only, others had a start in, or appreciate the value of, wrestling. The only real main issue with getting a high-profile guy like that is a) money, but more to the point, b) timing. I would rather not have a guest have to fight off autograph desire-ers and picture wanters for three or four matches, WHILE wrestling is going on. I'd rather wrestle all the matches, call over the winning wrestlers, get 106 on the podium and then announce the special guest, and go on with the awards up to 285. Security would be an issue I guess, especially if I get my choice - Justin Bieber!!!
