Jeff Budlong, On the rebound

Having returned from my first Minnesota state tournament I have to say there were several things I enjoyed immensely about the experience.

The wrestling tournament itself was run fairly well with things remaining as close to on schedule as one can hope at big events like this. I had a chance to write about my first state champion and to watch three quality days worth of high school wrestling.

However, there was one thing that left a very sour taste in my mouth &045;&160;the issuing of press credentials.

I cannot count the times I saw someone sitting in one of the first two rows, which were reserved for media, shooting with a disposable point-and-shoot camera.

They didn’t appear to be taking notes to write a story later, and my suspicion is they were parents trying to capture the moment.

I understand that this is a big moment for parents as their children are going for a state title, but as someone who has to be working during this time it can be very frustrating trying to find a seat to watch a match or snap a picture only to have to squeeze in a mat or two away and try to follow the action.

I don’t blame parents and fans for wanting to get as close to the action as possible, but the Minnesota State High School League has to do a better job of issuing press credentials.

Giving them out to anyone who requests them doesn’t work.

I think they should go to credentials with the writer’s or photographer’s photo on them and the name of the newspaper.

This would eliminate people swapping credentials from match to match just so they can get closer to the mat.

If a problem arises then those in question would be easily identifiable.

The solution would be simple: tell the newspaper it will only give credentials to people who are doing work for them or they will not be issued credentials for state events again.

With so many people jockeying for position I think it is necessary to only have those who are working press taking up the press spots.

Eliminating the confusion and chaos can make for a better experience for all.

Everyone wants to get the picture of their athlete but it is important that those who are working on deadline have a chance to get the information they need.

It is already challenging enough fighting with photographers from other publications to have to contend with people who are taking pictures for their own keepsake rather then for their job.

The state experience was a fun one but like anything there are still some things that need to be worked out to make it as good as it can be.