Tough times

For only the second time since the format change in 1979, the Washington-Greene County did not produce a finalist for the WPIAL Team Tournament. That should be a concern to those who would like to see the competitive level of this area rise. Not only do I not have anything to do for the next two weeks while the team tournament plays out, but it leaves me feeling a little ill at ease about the strength of this area in wrestling.
At least in the team portion of the season.
The center of wrestling power has shifted to the eastern part of this region, where Hempfield, Mt. Pleasant, Burrell, Connellsville, Penn-Trafford, etc., consistently field stronger teams than those in the west.
Why?
It's a good question that may not have an easy answer.
It's not a coaching problem. This area has some of the best coaches in the sport.
It might be more a numbers' problem, considering how some of the traditionally strong teams struggled to put a full lineup on the mat this season. Or it just might be a down talent cycle.
This area does well in the state tournament, coming back from Hershey with at least one individual title in eight of the last nine years.
Team-wise, it's been a struggle. And it doesn't promise to get better anytime soon.