Elevator

https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/fbca2c4b-6427-4c56-8217-7f620cd296c0

this should be a good match! Hoping Vito competes. Penn v UNC tonight should have some good matches as well.

I hear you - but seems pretty clear that his wrestlers love him and visa versa so have to tip the hat to him there. How many normal coaches are there and what is wrestling coach normal? Its not regular person normal.

BTN is a good value for passionate wrestle-fans. Not in love with the announcers though and often turn the sound off as I ease into my crumudgeon years.

Not sure how true this is, but I assume the rate of improvement for even the bluest blue chip rookies (true frosh and redshirts firt time in the lineup) is a little higher than 2nd, 3rd and 4or 4+ year wrestlers. Of course, while it seems like Fix has not gotten better, seems like VIto did later in his collegiate career. A lot of the 1st year guys in the poll might be even closer to the top guys by March. I think we will get a few rookies in the semis - wehther or not they make the finals or win it will be close.

Kidding aside, hope that the growth of womens wrestling leads to new mens teams as well. On my wish list is Syracuse, West Chester, Yale, and Delaware. In general seems like south should be ready for more teams as well.

is it now clear he is not competing in NCAA's this year?

I would bet on Kerk to beat anyone as he is very big and very strong. Maybe AB would have a shot, but lean Kerk.

Poz looks good at 197!

Yes - but as to Lewis I think his eligibility is up.

Do any teams have team rules banning alcohol after NCAA's and over the summer? Seems too much!

Have not seen Watters - Messenbrink is interesting.

Crookham, Shapiro, Messenbrink - quite a parlay! If this happens, who gets rookie of the year? Edge to Shapiro as he beats a world champ? 165 is pretty tough too. 149, meh.

No. Like Messenbrink, he is underappreciated! This forum is more fun with Jimmy C!

All the events were competitive and ok that maybe less of grind as prior years - perhaps less injuries with smaller fields? Better than the pandemic in any event.

I am put off by it as well for the reasons noted. I guess with professional opportunities and NIL, this may be some kind of increased showmanship? Is it part of a changing NCAA wrestling culture? Hoping not - but might be something that cannot be stopped.

Agree with this. Still some magic - although I do not tend to root for them.

Perhaps a WWE punch - should have had his match in the ring with ropes.

People love a comeback story and it seemed like Iowa was going to offer the chance. Not sure this family is interested. Is this a planned WWE showmanship campaign to further build the family brand? Expecting no more NCAA wrestling for AJ and not to sure about his middle brother.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a great wrestle-2024 for your favorite teams and wrestlers!

did not see that one - best to err on the side of caution

I am not a fan of the Cornell program, but I am fine with the decisions and Mike Grey's explanations. Mikstake to wrestle injured guys. They are not professional athletes.

"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"

As Gimp notes, Dick stayed with the sport as a referee and was always very gracious. He spoke at the 100th anniversary of the EIWA. He readily acknowledged that wrestlers of his day could not compete with those of today. Dick and many others of his day were multi-sport athletes and did not wrestle much out of season.

https://www.eiwawrestling.org/HOF/Hall_of_Fame/dibatista-dick?view=bio Penn's GOAT and perhaps the GOAT of his WWII wrestle-era.