I'm thinking that there is a weeding out at Regionals that is good. But, this gives more wrestlers experience at State where competition is quite fierce. One of my first years as assistant volunteer throwing dummy, there was a kid that made it to state. But he was not tough enough. So I started working with him pushing and shoving and whacking his head and he was just baby pawing at me. It took 2 days to get him to start hitting me like they were going to do at State. I think it made a difference, as he took 8th. Granted that is not all that we really hope for, but he was ecstatic to place at State. It was a huge win for him and I was really happy for him. That will be an accomplishment that will stay with him a long time I think, quietly I'm sure. No one goes around saying, Hey, I took 8th!!
So I think there are pros and cons to the 32 man bracket. It takes a lot more wins to place now. That is a tough two days.
mspart