tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13009903.post-1129491722806843722005-10-16T12:42:00.000-07:002005-10-16T12:42:00.000-07:00Dan and others,<BR/> I would have to agree with the Bump elliot rule. i too have read the book, and it gives great advice. As a middle school coach, we were blessed with wrestling mats before we even started the sport. The Athletic Director at the district level saw it as a necessity to restore all mats a few years ago, which led to us starting our sport. <BR/><BR/> However, like other districts, we are facing a numbers crunch. We charge for wrestling meets, but receive very little due to low returns from the meet. We rely on basketball and the popularity from that to bolster the program. <BR/> I don't worry about the money. If I have to beg, borrow, and do whatever I have to in order to get things like new jerseys, then I will. I have a small program, but I know the money will come through. I have a growing program (4 the first year, 8 last year, at least 20 interested this year). Luckily, the athletes are finding out that wrestling a LOT better than basketball. Slowly, we'll grow and attract the crowds that basketball has, we'll have the champions, and we'll grow by leaps and bounds. luckily,I can feel it growing big this year alone!CoachHardinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04763724932619202205noreply@blogger.com