Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 10/6/2023

The wait is nearly over. One more month and the college season is upon us. And not a moment too soon. The Mets. Trash. The Raiders. Worst team in the league. I'm not even doing fantasy football. All my TV screens. They’ve gone dark. But the light at the end of the tunnel is finally in view. I think we even have a few wrestling-related questions for once. Let’s get to them! 

If Jagger is writing the NCAA wrestling season script, then what is the main event on Saturday night in March? Rhino 

You want me to book the finals in October? Screw it, I’ll bite. I admit I haven’t done the best job lately of keeping up with who’s at what weight and all that so I took a gander at the rankings and finally there’s some turnover. Between guys switching weights and some free-year guys starting to clear out, everything looks shiny and new. It likely wouldn’t be the main event even if it happened, but I’ll throw out there Chris Foca and Shane Griffith at 174. Of course, one would have to get past Carter Starocci as he continues his march to five titles. No easy task. But a matchup between the two former Bergen Catholic greats would be quite the big deal, at least around these parts. I'll go even further out on a limb and pick one that might have an even better chance of happening. Aaron Brooks in one corner for Penn State. In the other corner, wearing the Iowa black and gold, it’s AJ Ferrari! I realize there are more than a few hoops to jump through before AJ can return to college wrestling, but this has a very real chance of happening. Don’t tell me you don’t love the thought of it. 

Is this going to be your new favorite wrestler? Seton Hall Pirate 

For those without the benefit of flash photography, Pirate is alluding to recent Cal Poly commit Jagger French. Quite frankly, I dig it. Along with Jagger Condomitti of Nebraska and Jagger Clapsadle of Ursinus, the Jagger revolution has officially begun. We coming for all the Caels. While we’re here, let me explain why I go by the name Jagger. Back in my much younger days, I had a knack for doing a whole Mick Jagger impersonation at the right time of the night. So much so that someone once played Start Me Up at a wedding just to make me do it in front of about 300 strangers. Then I needed to make an email for Yahoo or something so I just picked that name and it just stuck for all my screen names as the interwebs got bigger and bigger in the early 2000’s. That’s the origin story of how I came to be known by this moniker. I always hated the name Ian anyway so it’s worked out. 

How excited should I be for the Rutgers heavyweight transfer? Does the Jersey bump get him on the podium in March? Salty Walkon 

Bringing in Slavikouski was a good move for the Scarlet Knights. I liken it to when Greg Bulsak showed up to hold down 197 for a year and got himself on the podium. Can Yara do the same? I just don’t know. Currently he’s ranked sixth, but we’ve yet to see Nick Feldman do his thing and we have no idea what Gable Steveson is doing. And how does he hold up as a fifth-year senior in the Big Ten grind? Is he even aware of Jagger Night? He better be since there’s a good chance my perfect record may end up coming down to him a few times this season. Either way,

There's a chance he anchors what could be a very solid block of upperweights with Turley, Soldano, and Poznanski. That’s two former All-Americans, a blood round guy, and a guy who made the round of 16 in Soldano who is extremely dangerous out there. Do not sleep on Rutgers this year. 

How old is too old to wear Pit Vipers? Also Salty Walkon 

Since I’m 45 and had to google what they are, it's not a good start. After seeing these hideous sunglasses, I’ll say every age is too old. Grow up and get some aviators already. 

Word on the street is Pete Alonso will be a Cubbie next year? Will Vogelbach be able to pick up the slack and carry the Mets to the World Series? Indiana Mat 

We are not doing baseball today. You’re obsessed with Daniel Vogelbach. And Pete isn’t a free agent until after next season so you have to trade for him. I just don’t think that’s happening. Keep in mind, Vogey and Alonso are best buddies so you might just get both of them. Don’t cry to me when they both hit .215 in the middle of your lineup. But we aren’t doing baseball today. Call back some other time. 

Alright, Jagoffs. I apologize for my brief hiatus again but life is hard and sometimes we have to deal with it. I love trying to entertain you all the best I can and I hope you're still with me. I started this gig nearly two years ago and I’m still at it simply because of you readers. Have a good weekend and I love you all.