I, myself, am an avid Mountain State high school wrestling enthusiast. Every year I look forward to acquiring a souvenir program from the state tournament. This year I was informed that there would be no more programs sold at the state tournament. Asking why, I was told that the cost of printing the programs was too expensive, and now you could only visit the WVSSAC website to see a digital state program.

Did you know that?

I was very disappointed, and you should be disheartened by this change as well. In the past, the state wrestling tournament program cost five dollars, which was actually quite reasonable. I am sure state tournament fans would be willing to pay more for the programs, especially if their son or daughter was competing in the event.

Consider the following professional football game scenario.

Let’s say a family of four is attending a regular season Pittsburgh Steeler football game which lasts about four hours. Their various expenses would include transportation, tickets, parking, sports memorabilia, food and drink, and possibly hotel accommodations. The total price tag would be in the vicinity of $1,500.00.

So, what’s my point?

Well, isn’t it even much more of a thrill watching your own son or daughter qualify and compete in a state championship tournament? Furthermore, memories of your child’s athletic accomplishments will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

To aid in keeping such great athletic moments vividly alive, previous state tournaments in West Virginia have always provided those in attendance, especially parents, the opportunity to purchase souvenir programs. They were keepsakes that the participants could proudly share with their children, and even with their grandchildren later in life.

If people are willing to spend so much money attending a pro football game, certainly such individuals (parents, relatives and sports aficionados) would be more than willing to pay higher prices, even $25.00, for a state souvenir program. I am quite sure that would definitely cover the printing costs of the booklet.

Seriously, folks, do you honestly believe that a digital version of the state program would have the same sentimental value? I doubt it very much. You can’t even purchase the online version of the state program in some states. But even if you could buy the document digitally, it definitely would not have the same significant impact as holding a tangible state tournament program in your hands.

Please note. West Virginia is by no means the only state to go the digital route. In reference to surrounding states: Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia have also gone to the digital state program format. Pennsylvania no longer sells souvenir programs at state competitions. However, you can purchase a hard copy program online. Ohio is the only bordering state that still sells a comprehensive souvenir program at all their state tournaments. For the sake of the participants, parents, relatives, and ardent fans, I hope that the Buckeye State continues to do so.

In closing, I freely admit that I am without question “old school” and technology has passed me by like the speed of light. But most people would agree that positive lifetime sports memories are immensely enhanced by being able to peruse old athletic photos, newspaper clippings, and state championship programs of “by gone” years.

Don’t you agree?

(Bill Welker, EdD, is currently a freelance Op/Ed columnist who enjoys writing articles on sports, education, and any topic that piques his interest. He can be contacted at mattalkwv@hotmail.com)