Just home, great trip. Anyone that gets the chance, should try the Big Ten Championships. Minnesota next year is a hike for most, but it should be at our place the following year. Tickets were inexpensive (only $25 for seniors, 55 and over, $40 otherwise), and we've never had trouble getting reasonably priced hotels.
It was an easy trip to East Lansing from State College area. Talked wrestling most of the way, so time passed quickly. Arrived in time Friday to get a good nights sleep before Saturday's action.
The venue was terrific. These Big Tens were well attended, with many in the upper deck. The Breslin Center is a good design for fans, no bad seats.
Of course the wrestling is the best in the country, and all-in-all, great fun. Lots of threads and posts about the wrestling, so limited comments here...
-- The Carson Kuhn story did not have a happy ending, wrestling-wise, but man, what a nice young man with a great family. Met his wife, daughter, and mom too, and just another example of the type of person attracted to the PSU program. One bout, and maybe a close call on a review away from the big dance. I'm sure he's hurting, but has no regrets.
-- Jason Nolf, after going two bouts, was unaffected. After forfeiting, he was always near the action with his team-mates, still in the brace, but having fun, as these guys do. Again, no ill effects, as we had a chance to watch him all of day 2, just to our right...very good sign. We saw what everyone else saw with his wrestling, and are excited that he gets 12 days (after Saturday's action) to continue his recovery.
-- We noticed a lot more full-nelson calls. I believe we saw 4 in the tournament, which is a couple more than any of our group saw in all our years of Big Ten and NCAA action. I wonder if there was a focus on this...sure seemed like it.
-- Only 1 Neutral Danger Zone call that we remember, all weekend, with something approaching 300 total bouts watched. It was a non-issue, as it appears the guys have adapted, and turn whichever direction keeps them away from exposure, yet still fighting off takedowns.
-- I wish you could see these guys after even 3 matches, and the physical beating they take. Might humanize them for some.
Everyone was friendly, from all we met at the arena, the hotel, the restaurants, and wherever else we meandered. Didn't get to see much of the campus unfortunately, which is something I always enjoy. We took over most of two hotels, but shared them with Ohio State and Iowa fans, who were also friendly from my experience.
Next up...NCAA's!!
It was an easy trip to East Lansing from State College area. Talked wrestling most of the way, so time passed quickly. Arrived in time Friday to get a good nights sleep before Saturday's action.
The venue was terrific. These Big Tens were well attended, with many in the upper deck. The Breslin Center is a good design for fans, no bad seats.
Of course the wrestling is the best in the country, and all-in-all, great fun. Lots of threads and posts about the wrestling, so limited comments here...
-- The Carson Kuhn story did not have a happy ending, wrestling-wise, but man, what a nice young man with a great family. Met his wife, daughter, and mom too, and just another example of the type of person attracted to the PSU program. One bout, and maybe a close call on a review away from the big dance. I'm sure he's hurting, but has no regrets.
-- Jason Nolf, after going two bouts, was unaffected. After forfeiting, he was always near the action with his team-mates, still in the brace, but having fun, as these guys do. Again, no ill effects, as we had a chance to watch him all of day 2, just to our right...very good sign. We saw what everyone else saw with his wrestling, and are excited that he gets 12 days (after Saturday's action) to continue his recovery.
-- We noticed a lot more full-nelson calls. I believe we saw 4 in the tournament, which is a couple more than any of our group saw in all our years of Big Ten and NCAA action. I wonder if there was a focus on this...sure seemed like it.
-- Only 1 Neutral Danger Zone call that we remember, all weekend, with something approaching 300 total bouts watched. It was a non-issue, as it appears the guys have adapted, and turn whichever direction keeps them away from exposure, yet still fighting off takedowns.
-- I wish you could see these guys after even 3 matches, and the physical beating they take. Might humanize them for some.
Everyone was friendly, from all we met at the arena, the hotel, the restaurants, and wherever else we meandered. Didn't get to see much of the campus unfortunately, which is something I always enjoy. We took over most of two hotels, but shared them with Ohio State and Iowa fans, who were also friendly from my experience.
Next up...NCAA's!!
