FS/G State

Mountain view was a great host site for the State tournament. The big gym swallowed up the 5 mats with room to spare. There was plenty of quality views from the stand, and the coaches, and kids running the tournament were courteous, and hospitable. TWA, the compound, elite, TWC, and Team Georgia were all well represented with aggressive wrestlers. The crew from Lumpkin, and Jackson County were there also representing newer clubs.
We had three man mechanics on the Junior, and Cadet mats, and quality officials available for interpretations on the mats with only one official. There was a trainer available, and a group of Collins Hill's best managers to help with bloody noses, and cleaning mats between sessions. We had clocks from the ATA so everyone could see the scores, and of course we had some tough wrestling going on all over the gym.
Now I firmly understand the importance of every match at every tournament. I do not feel like I should only be officiating Junior level matches. I enjoy the young guys, just as much, and see the importance of what they are doing. I got the pleasure of calling some middle school and elementary level matches. I called about 60 matches and enjoyed every one of them. I was asked to go judge a high level Cadet match, but it ended up being a 7-0, 7-0 tech. I just looked at the other officials and said "you needed me for that".
I enjoyed our local tournament season, but can honestly say I am not disappointed that it is over. I look forward to national team practices, and a long bus trip to Oklahoma, followed by a longer bus trip to Fargo. I hope to catch some quality High School Summer Folkstyle action in the mean time.