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Last week's World Team Trials were one of the most discussed events of the year. Some of that general appeal is owed to the popularity of the 74-kilo competitors and their epically close matches, but also on trial were the new FILA rules and how they might influence the outcome of the event.
Overall there was consistency in the results as the best wrestlers still triumphed. Though there is room to hash out the merits of USA Wrestling's overtime, the takeaway of the event wasn't in the technical aspects of the competition, but in the broadening reach of wrestling's fast-improving broadcast media, specifically Flo.
Though there were some buffering issues and off-camera conversations which left fans alone to track action, on average the event production -- camera angles, quality of video and onscreen graphics -- were much improved. A watchable event means a sellable event, and that means profit and stability.
As a wrestling community we've been locked in dispute about what is best for the sport. We bicker over dual meets and event locations, often times with little resolution in the end but the persistence of the status quo. What quality feeds and television interest do is give the open market a metric by which to gauge the effect of certain marketing tools. For example, Flo streams three types of events: dual meets, tournaments, and specialty matchups (NWCA All-Star Classic). Within those events they can follow how many fans are signing up for, and watching, each of the events. This gives them a tool to figure out which is more popular and why.
Flo and any other online streaming service WILL transmit to their broadcast partners what sells subscriptions, as both benefit from higher numbers. Like ESPN asking/pushing the NCAA to have Dake vs. Taylor end the NCAA finals, it's possible that Flo could start to nudge tournament directors and decision-makers into creating fan-friendly events with more regularity.
Assuming that to be true, it's difficult to miss the opportunity of an NCAA dual meet season that carries end-of-the-year significance. Ignoring the discussion over what it might mean to the value of the individual tournament, it's fairly objective to see that 50+ dual meets running the course of season, all of which matter, would be boon to Flo, sponsors, athletes and fans. The dual meet season could create a more sustainable economy around the sport of wrestling if Flo, ESPN, or future competitors carry it.
To your questions ...
Q: What were your high school credentials (state champ,etc.)? How much off-season wrestling did you do? Camps? Off-season tournaments?
-- Mike C.
Foley: I started wrestling my freshman year in high school, and like most early-pubescent 95-pound 14-year-olds I got my ass kicked for four-months. Somehow I managed to earn the starting spot, but went an underwhelming 2-14 -- one of my wins was over someone who'd beat me earlier in the season. Call it optimism, but that win was all I remembered heading into my sophomore season.
I went 17-17 my sophomore year without qualifying for the Virginia state tournament. I'd go on to place fifth and second in the state my junior and senior seasons, respectively. The hormones I'd need to build strength had finally emerged and I lifted many heavy things to earn some muscles. I was also fortunate to have a teammate who pushed me to work harder in the room and be dedicated in my diet.
All this progression happened in-season, as I did next to zero offseason wrestling. I remember that my biggest commitment to the sport came between my sophomore and junior seasons when I attended a second wrestling camp, instead of just the one my team went on every year to the University of Virginia. I think about that a lot -- partly as a lost opportunity, but also as a sign of the stress placed on modern high school athletics.
Sport specialization is the norm now, but when I was in high school (1995-1999) there were still plenty of multisport athletes. I played football, but in the spring and summer I spent the majority of my time pushing a lawnmower. There wasn't a lot of time for wrestling because I'd committed to pulling weeds and planting trees for dollars. Working was expected in my household, but I also liked the idea of making some extra money. For me wrestling was a winter sport, and landscaping was its summer companion.
It's fantastic that so many wrestlers have dedicated their entire year to the sport, and for many there are no ill side effects. However, if there was a benefit to my late start, slow progression and seasonal commitment it was that I never became a wrestling burn out. Though like any immature college kid I could spend hours complaining about workout schedules and lifting times, I was always passionate about the sport and competition. I never hated or blamed wrestling for the other ills in my life even when it was evident they were to blame. Wrestling was sport, and the rest of life, grades, relationships and family were a separate responsibility.
That I didn't wrestle year-round also tells you about my parents' VERY hands-off approach to my wrestling career. I have four brothers, so they had plenty of other people to worry about, but in general they never yelled at me to win more matches. Winning was met with a handshake and a smile, losing with a hug and words of motivation. Wrestling is tough enough without Mom and Dad analyzing your dual meet against Drexel.
On a separate but related note, I had a dream last night about making weight. I woke up this morning in a ball of stress. When I came downstairs to eat breakfast the only thing I could muster was a cup of coffee. I made it halfway to the front desk to ask where the sauna was before I corrected myself and dove into the pastries. If there is one thing I'm starting to dislike more than singlets, it's the idea of cutting weight.
Q: After the World Team Trials a couple things jumped out at me: Where was Jake Varner? Could there be a strong case made that Adeline Gray is the most dominant freestyle wrestler in the U.S.? Also why has the wrestling community not grabbed Helen Maroulis and began to use her as a much more public figure/spokesman? She is the complete package talented dominant, and a million dollar smile.
-- Jimmie D.
Foley: I'm a little bit behind on the news of Jake Varner. He hasn't wrestled since losing to Wynn Michalak in February. My suspicion is that he's injured, but unfortunately I haven't been able to ask around.
Helen Maroulis is a stud, and as you said owns a million dollar grin. I suspect that as coverage of women's wrestling improves there will be more opportunity for her to appear on camera and capture the attention of a broader audience. She was a big hit at the Rumble on the Rails, too.
Q: Here is my question. Given that the recent rule changes happened sort of mid-stream for this year's World Championships, do you think there are any "retired" wrestlers out there who are thinking the rule changes benefit them and they might make a comeback?
-- Mat M.
Foley: Don't call it a comeback, but I think Jake Herbert's style is perfect for the new rules. He has that nasty habit of giving up early points, but it's always been matched by an ability to claw back and break opponents. With some rehab and conditioning he could be a world medalist in 2014.
Q: So how does David Taylor eventually beat Kyle Dake? Is it simply a matter of confidence? Or just physical strength? Does he need to adopt more varied tactics? Should he hit Dake with underhooks? Develop an inside trip? Work more on his slide-bys? Where should he train after college? Should he consider going overseas to train? Should he try to work out with Dake?
-- Rob C.
Foley: Once I read "go overseas" my mind just keeps replaying David Taylor with a beard training in the Siberian winter with Cael Sanderson motivating him to run up a snowy mountainside.
He will at some point in the future beat Kyle Dake. It'll just take some separation. Give him a year to dork up college kids and get back his confidence and once they meet at some offseason tournaments he'll find a way to sneak out a win. Taylor is a wrestling genius, and has one the greatest-ever wrestlers and coaches at his back. Wrestling is a puzzle, and between their brains and Taylor's natural athletic ability, they will find a way to beat Dake, likley without having to train in Siberia.
RANT OF THE WEEK!
By Jacob R.
It's hard to argue that the old scoring system for freestyle and Greco was optimal, but after the World Team Trials I have a few bones to pick with the new system ... specifically freestyle.
A 7-point tech is just rubbish! It would make a little bit of sense if takedowns were still only worth one point, but I don't like the idea of stopping a freestyle match after a 7-point differential has been established. Make it 10 points.
What's up with your flip-flop to endorsing World Team Trials in Stillwater? The prediction of a large turnout at Gallagher-Iba was totally off. I don't know what the Pokes and Okies were up to that weekend, but they sure didn't seem to have the seats in that barn filled like you and many others predicted. Traditionally fan turnout has been low at most of the major senior level freestyle and Greco events hosted by USA Wrestling. I doubt we will ever see sold out arenas for the U.S. Open or World Team Trials, especially during non-Olympic years. Keep World Team Trials in Vegas ... at least the fans there can legally bet on the matches.
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