Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 1/12/2024

As we finish the second week of the new year, It seems the Starks are right and winter is coming for us all. I hope you all stay safe and warm. But before that, enjoy the musings of a guy who has no idea what he’s talking about. 

Which college head coaches have the most exciting and most boring press conversations (post-competition, press conference, etc) and why? Thicccolas 

Cael's are clearly the most boring, but in a tactical way, He’s the closest thing to recently departed Browns/Jets/Patriots coach Bill Belichick as we have in this sport. Everyone knows that Tom Brands is good for some quotes. I like listening to Tom Ryan. He has a comfortable way about him that I assume works like a charm when it comes to recruiting. Doug Schwab used to sit down with the announcer for like 20 minutes after a dual. I thought that was pretty cool and hope he still does that. Goodale is good and sounds like he could segue right into explaining how his crew is going to rip up your street for the next two weeks to put in a new gas line. Dresser is fantastic and as open as it gets. I don’t know why I only watch coaches from Iowa. I blame Stalemates. 

With Frank Beasley and Tony Skinn does George Mason have the best basketball and wrestling coach combo? Richard Mann 

That can’t be a real name. That’s awesome if it is. Frank Beasley is also a cool name. Like a hard-boiled, old-school detective or something, calling everyone a dame. I need a buddy cop show called Beasley and Skinn. Then they will be the best coaching combo and crime-solving combo. 

For the Sopranos 25th anniversary, what’s Jagger’s favorite episode? FCW 

I’m not sure I have a single favorite episode. The whole show is like a concept album to me. 

Look, we all love the “Pine Barrens” episode. It’s the easiest choice and probably the only name of an episode that anyone remembers. Season five is probably my favorite of all the seasons. The Class of ‘82 gets released from prison and in turn, the show finally goes full mafia until Tony’s fate is left undetermined in front of a bowl of onion rings. I actually sat at that table and ate onion rings once because I’m a total mark. What’s most important about the show for me is that I lived in the middle of it as a young adult. For many of us in North Jersey, it’s a time capsule of an era that we grew up in. We all know the locations. Many of us have likely seen or met most of the actors somewhere. Heck, I worked for a woman who dated Gandolfini in high school. Oh, it also became the most critically acclaimed show of all time. But for the folks here, it belongs to us. And it always will. 25 years you say? Don’t stop believin’ I say. 

Will The Polar Bear, Nebraska's Football Defensive Lineman/ Heavyweight Grappler, Nash Hutmacher, be the surprise story of the Big Ten this season? Mike Abromitis 

He might be! Just a fascinating situation. This isn’t just some pretty good high school wrestler deciding to give it another try. Nash was a beast. Probably still is a beast. The trenches in the Big Ten kept him plenty acclimated with scrapping with giant dudes. And like that it’s possible he gets thrust into a situation where the dual is on the line tonight against Iowa. You gotta love it. 

Jags, my brilliant friend, it's the middle of summer (Sunday, not a holiday weekend) and the Jagette wants a day at the shore. What beach do you go to? Salty Walkon 

I loathe the beach. But, if I did then it would be Ortley Beach since the family has a place there. I should go there this year. It’s been a while. 

Who is Penn State's toughest dual match-up? JD Money 

I have to say Ohio State because they match up the best through the first four weights. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Buckeyes can run out to a 12-0 lead before Levi Haines kicks off a run of six straight hammers, who are nearly impossible to beat. Will that happen? Probably not. But it can. Does that make OSU the number two team in the country? Not necessarily. But they do seem to match up the best in my eyes. 

First time, long time. Jags, do you think we need more heels in the sport? I'll hang up and listen. Noah Khonkey 

Sure, why not. But keep it fun. Thomas Gilman never had to hit the double birds to draw heat. He’d just walk into the other team’s huddle. 

And now we’ve reached the Burger King of Kings portion of the show. King, take us home.

Headgear is unless in matches. What other useless accessories should be part of the mandatory uniform? Stirrup legging singlets? Tutu? Tattoos? 

Luchador Masks 

Bowling Shoes 

Bobbie Socks 

Sequin Robes 

1987 Gibbons wins NCAAs as a coach, age 27. 1992 Gibbons "retires" to become a financial advisor. If (pick your coach) retired tomorrow, what non-wrestling job would they be good at? Tom Brands: recess attendant; Terry Brands: sunglasses model 

Mark Branch: cattle rancher 

Kevin Dresser: snowblower salesman 

Tony Robie: Vegas muscle 

Sean Bormet: Vegas muscle’s twin brother 

Is NJ the "Florida" of New England? Iowa is a thinking man's Missouri. 

I don’t even know what that means. Unless it means Bill Belichick is headed south to coach the Jets. 

On that note, have a good weekend. There are enough duals this weekend to hold up in divorce court.