The reason that a post season true champ tournament won't ever take off is because there is not the emotion and passion of a real state tournament. No one is cutting weight and training like a beast like they are for the state tournament. No one feels like they just lost everything when they lose a post season all star match. I really like the idea of it from a fan perspective, but it will never measure up to the intensity of the state tournament in my opinion. Today's tournament felt more like a showcase for Valiant Prep to show how they measure up with the rest of the state, and I am okay with that. I don't think they need any validation because most coaches realize that they have a lot of talented wrestlers there with a top notch coaching staff. If Arizona really wants to put on a tournament to try and crown the best wrestler at each weight, they need to do it the same weekend of the state championships and only take the top 1 and 2 from each division. No need for #3s because their already is at least 1 person better than them in their own division. Have ERAU put it on on the Sunday after state while everyone is still close to weight and in the same vicinity. Don't have adults running their mouths on social media and calling kids out because they aren't registered. If a kid doesn't show, then he most likely realizes that he isn't the best or doesn't have an ego big enough that he feels the need to prove it. Make sure that you advertise it well ahead of time (like before the season starts) so wrestlers and fans can make plans to attend.
This is a really level-headed, reasonable response...are you sure you are in the right place lololol? In regards to your statements about this tournament, I agree wholeheartedly and believe you hit the nail on the head. It's up to the AIA to make some systematic changes...again call what we know as "State" "Divisionals" and then do another tournament with the top 4 or top 2 or just champions and call that "State".
In regards to this new charter school, if Valiant can demonstrate that the academic and social aspects of their operation are worthwhile, I think this will be an interesting situation for AZ high school wrestling, much like what is happening with soccer at the high school level (
https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...-arizona-high-school-girls-soccer/2671102002/). Hard to argue with what was shown today, as well as what we already know (they have a hell of a coaching staff).
And yeah, Valiant or not, Liberty was going to continue to make noise and develop high-caliber wrestlers, they are a machine