Post by Natl HS registration on Feb 28, 2007 9:12:18 GMT -5
Dear Michigan wrestling community,
If you read the post below, and are interested in our event, please be advised that the Michigan High School Atlhetic Association has quite stringent rules regarding off-season participation in events.
At the senior level, we always have a terrific turnout of Michigan's finest talent. Two that come to mind quickly are Brent Metcalf (2nd at 145 in 2005) and Johnathan Reader (2nd at 152 in 2006) who were both in the Senior National finals. Mchigan has done very well at the Senior Nationals as a state-team.
However, for the underclassmen, although every other state in the country has sent wrestlers to these events, we had a real problem working with Michigan underclassmen to try to get them to be able to participate in these events like the other states without penalty from the MHSAA.
In 2005, Jonathan Reader and his family really tried to be able to enter the event, and were not able to do so without penalty.
Therefore, he and the rest of the Mighican crew - waited until their senior year to be a part of this event.
From the NHSCA's persepctive, we woudl welcome Michigan participation in the underclassmen events, but we definitely want to make sure that the community is aware that the MHSAA is a very restrictive in this area (compared to the other 49 states) and may penalize the athletes. It is surprising because the events are essentially open tournaments that any private citizen in America can comepte in.
Perhaps those who are interested in seeing this changed could begin to work toward that end. It would be a worthwhile pursuit - but one that will take significant manpower and time.
This is not a slam on the MHSAA, only an attempt to inform the wrestling community of the current state of affairs in the sport as it relates to this event.
I would like to wish everyone in Michigan an enjoyable off-season.
Joseph H. Boardwine
If you read the post below, and are interested in our event, please be advised that the Michigan High School Atlhetic Association has quite stringent rules regarding off-season participation in events.
At the senior level, we always have a terrific turnout of Michigan's finest talent. Two that come to mind quickly are Brent Metcalf (2nd at 145 in 2005) and Johnathan Reader (2nd at 152 in 2006) who were both in the Senior National finals. Mchigan has done very well at the Senior Nationals as a state-team.
However, for the underclassmen, although every other state in the country has sent wrestlers to these events, we had a real problem working with Michigan underclassmen to try to get them to be able to participate in these events like the other states without penalty from the MHSAA.
In 2005, Jonathan Reader and his family really tried to be able to enter the event, and were not able to do so without penalty.
Therefore, he and the rest of the Mighican crew - waited until their senior year to be a part of this event.
From the NHSCA's persepctive, we woudl welcome Michigan participation in the underclassmen events, but we definitely want to make sure that the community is aware that the MHSAA is a very restrictive in this area (compared to the other 49 states) and may penalize the athletes. It is surprising because the events are essentially open tournaments that any private citizen in America can comepte in.
Perhaps those who are interested in seeing this changed could begin to work toward that end. It would be a worthwhile pursuit - but one that will take significant manpower and time.
This is not a slam on the MHSAA, only an attempt to inform the wrestling community of the current state of affairs in the sport as it relates to this event.
I would like to wish everyone in Michigan an enjoyable off-season.
Joseph H. Boardwine
