Worthy of it's own thread, maybe?
1) Losing - On balance I think when our very best lose a match, it is the best opportunity for learning and ultimately a good thing. Whether it be our unrealistic expectations as fans, or the kid's view of their own abilities, the margin for error against podium competition is very narrow. We need a constant reminder to remain focused, motivated and sharp.
2) The Hodge - Unless Spencer implodes, the Hodge is probably his anyway. Brooks was a leading candidate for sure but he still has next year. If Spencer falters I think Carter, RBY and Kerk remain exceptionally strong candidates.
3) Unbeatable - It's all too easy to look at some of our greats as 'sure things', and forget that one small mistake against a solid opponent can take out anyone. Never forget DT got pinned in the finals, Bo missed out on being our only 4xer due to a momentary lapse, Nolf was inches away from losing to somone who really isnt close to his stratosphere, Carter got Darnelled. I hate to say it but we could have a year where every finalist loses. Losses happen to everyone not named Cael Sanderson (PS he lost too), because wrestling is such an unforgiving sport. One moment of being out of position, an instant of lack of concentration, one ill-advised half hearted attempt at a move, and the match can be over. A 6 point deficit in wrestling is not like 6 point deficit in football. Hail marries in the closing 30 seconds of a match are close to impossible in folk when everyone knows what's coming.
Face it, podium level wrestlers are just plain friggin good. With Max and Aaron checked off, do you think the whole team is now on notice? I do. Just pulling on a blue and white singlet is a photo op but it ain't winning you any matches
So, I am really bummed for Aaron. I viewed him as our strongest 'sure thing', and wrestling once again proved that notion is complete nonsense.
Resumes don't mean a whole lot in wrestling. Every year is a new year and you have to earn what you want to achieve.
Do I think Aaron will work even harder now? Will he be even more focused, more motivated, and more dominant in March? You can take that one too the bank!
1) Losing - On balance I think when our very best lose a match, it is the best opportunity for learning and ultimately a good thing. Whether it be our unrealistic expectations as fans, or the kid's view of their own abilities, the margin for error against podium competition is very narrow. We need a constant reminder to remain focused, motivated and sharp.
2) The Hodge - Unless Spencer implodes, the Hodge is probably his anyway. Brooks was a leading candidate for sure but he still has next year. If Spencer falters I think Carter, RBY and Kerk remain exceptionally strong candidates.
3) Unbeatable - It's all too easy to look at some of our greats as 'sure things', and forget that one small mistake against a solid opponent can take out anyone. Never forget DT got pinned in the finals, Bo missed out on being our only 4xer due to a momentary lapse, Nolf was inches away from losing to somone who really isnt close to his stratosphere, Carter got Darnelled. I hate to say it but we could have a year where every finalist loses. Losses happen to everyone not named Cael Sanderson (PS he lost too), because wrestling is such an unforgiving sport. One moment of being out of position, an instant of lack of concentration, one ill-advised half hearted attempt at a move, and the match can be over. A 6 point deficit in wrestling is not like 6 point deficit in football. Hail marries in the closing 30 seconds of a match are close to impossible in folk when everyone knows what's coming.
Face it, podium level wrestlers are just plain friggin good. With Max and Aaron checked off, do you think the whole team is now on notice? I do. Just pulling on a blue and white singlet is a photo op but it ain't winning you any matches
So, I am really bummed for Aaron. I viewed him as our strongest 'sure thing', and wrestling once again proved that notion is complete nonsense.
Resumes don't mean a whole lot in wrestling. Every year is a new year and you have to earn what you want to achieve.
Do I think Aaron will work even harder now? Will he be even more focused, more motivated, and more dominant in March? You can take that one too the bank!
Last edited:
