Short segment with Jeff Byers on radio show with Phil and Jed. Some brief items paraphrased from Ironhead's segment:
Byers said Nolf has special written all over him. Physically mature beyond his years. One of the few wrestlers in the country who could challenge Martinez. Not saying he would win, but Nolf is one guy who is physically and mentally special.
Coaches want to see how the young wrestlers perform against good competition at VT. Shakur didn't get a good opening match to test himself, when the Lock Haven player had to injury default early. Will also see how Nolf and Nickal match up. Coaches want all wrestlers to be challenged by top competition at VT to see where they stand.
HWT Jan Johnson weighed in at 225 for the L H match. Coaches want him at 230-235. Very hard to gain weight while training in the room. Big difference between Football shape and wrestling shape. Had only been on board with the wrestling team for about two weeks.
Jan has been wrestling Gingrich who is 270, which is helping him adapt to the size and styles in college.
Jeff gave huge kudos to Coach Franklin for allowing one of his players to help the wrestling program and to Jan Johnson, who didn't hesitate, even though he saw his future in football.
Franklin is trying to build his own depth, but saw this as a way to help Cael and wrestling, who had a big problem to solve. Rare that a gap in the lineup occurs like this and you can tap a two-time PA Champion to fill in, who is already on campus.
Phil asked how VT got so good, seemingly quickly. Jeff said Tom Brands got things rolling with infrastructure and a base. Then he left for Iowa and took wrestlers with him, which gutted the program and set it back. But, the base was there with new facilities and support.
Said VA has better high school wrestling than some may understand. They've recruited well in VA and added strength with 2 from OH plus adds from FL and PA.
Note: Any updates or modifications are welcome.
