Whoops, I was reading too quickly and thought this was Wkn's list. It looked like something he'd try to quantify. I appreciate your method and picks all the same, though!
It's not just that Kale was undefeated and steamrolled a tough field. It's 159 wins. That's a damn big number. And in just 4 years.
By contrast, look at his two currently most accomplished wrestlers. Brooks won't crack 100 wins over 5 seasons and will finish his career with less than two thirds of Kale's win total. And Starocci could come back for a 6th year and run the table but he still won't come close to 159.
159 in 4 is definitely a GOAT number.
Solid list. No arguments here. I might add the Bubba vs. Taylor NCAA final near the Ramos vs. Lee match because of the sheer shock of it. Taylor just steamrolled through everyone that season and no one saw it coming.
Also what's your scoring weights and methodology for your star ratings? Just curous.
I like Ayala's chances as long as his coaches can keep him healthy and not worn down to a nub by the postseason. And not to get too far ahead of myself, but it'll be cool if we see double-Ayala title threats in the future at 125 & 133 when Dru matriculates.
ASU is a distraction-rich environment.
Maybe having the Oklahoma schools, ISU, Mizzou, Wyo, WVU, SDSU, etc. on their schedule will give the program a needed kick in the ass next year.
I wonder if Brands is simply growing old and tired. Still a few beats away from yelling at the reporters to get off of his lawn, but he's not far. I'm sure several of us can relate.
It's PSU so you know they'll have a game plan to keep Kasak from getting tossed. No disrespect to Gomez, but I think Kasak could steal one on conditioning and scrambling. I'm not convinced that Gomez has the gas tank to keep up or is healthy enough atm to scramble through spaghetti situations with Kasak. We shall see.
I thought you were making a comment about the Iowa caucuses since it starts at the same time as the dual.
PK-Sparks, Riggins-Salazaar, and Coot-Tabor should be good watchin.
125 DeAug dec Davis 0-3 UM
133 Ragusin dec Nagao 0-6
141 Bartlett dec Lemley 3-6
149 Kasak dec Gomez 3-9
157 Haines tf Mattin 8-9
165 Amine dec Mesenbrink 8-12
174 Starocci dec Griffith 11-12
184 Truax dec Bullock 14-12 PSU
197 Brooks maj Striggow 18-12
285 Kerkvliet dec Davison 21-12
I doubt that the tickets have been released at this point, but a thing to keep in mind is Pauley Pavillion (UCLA) will be the venue for wrestling in 2028. There isn't a ton of floor space so I am guessing they will eliminate some of the bleacher seating to make room for multiple mats. Which could mean fewer or more expensive ticket prices.