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I'm not sure the old belief holds up as accurately as back in the olden days. I would make the case that a fair share of "small school enrollments" examples are muted by the fact that the metropolitan area teams' talent level is shortened by the surrounding competition with one another. In other words, a team like Duluth East doesn't have that much competition on the norhern eastside considering there are not too many teams near by that can put up nearly the quality feeder programs and/or *recruiting* outside prospects. I've never been to Warroad or Roseau, but my hunch is Warroad in particular is not the small school I grew up knowing them as. Nowadays Warroad takes enjoyment in beating up these A-quality teams that make it to the tournament.<br><br>I understand the tradition of Warroad, Roseau, Edina, and so forth will keep these programs thriving anyhow, but I think there is a something to my thoughts considering the congestion of the metro area cancels out the possibility of dynasties taking hold, mostly. Some bigger outside programs have the advantage of competing with the smallest of stick programs and therefore, despite less population than metro area teams, have better odds of making a trip down south every March.<br><br>As for southern teams, I have little clue why some of the obvious names do not make more regular appearances to the tourney. I suppose this alone shows a fault with my case, but I do believe tradition alone can only go so far. A little less nearby competition never hurts. <p></p><i></i>