Some thoughts after watching the Collegiate Duals:
Steen - Gary continues to improve. While still not as aggressive on his feet as I'd like to see, he is moving better and taking more shots than earlier in the season. He needs to work on his TD defense, though, as often he gets taken down when his opponent commits to a shot. I don't see him improving enough to score any points at Nationals this year but I like his attitude and seems to be very coachable.
RBY - Has earned the right to wrestle when he wants. How often will this be? All of us fans hope it's weekly as he is such a joy to watch.
Beau - Beau likes to push people around. At 149 he wasn't big enough for this style to work. But at 141 its a different story and you're seeing the results. By year-end he's gonna be right there if he isn't already.
SVN - He continues to impress and love his motor too. Expect him to continue to climb in the rankings throughout the Big Ten season, come out the other side battle-tested and ready to shoot for a high podium spot at Nationals. I don't believe he can win it but don't tell him that!!!
Levi/Bearclaw - Free the Leeeeee-vi. It's time. If Levi wants to go this year, Cael should (and will) let him wrestle. While there's lots of talk about saving him for next year so he has a later year of eligibility when we might need him, who says that's HIS play? I think Cael understands that those coming into the program have aspirations beyond college wrestling and may not want to stick around for 5, 6, 7 years just to win one more National championship. Levi strikes me as the kind of kid that has higher goals and may care less about college wrestling than we fans do. I actually think that about a lot of our top guys. They are team players and want to win but have their sights on longer-term goals too that might eventually conflict with sticking around for a long time.
Facundo - He could have an excellent year and still not AA in the meat grinder that is 165. But I love his longer-term potential and have seen significant improvement since he's been in the room. He'll probably never have the pace of a Nolf but is so sound on his feet that every bit of aggressiveness he adds to his game is gonna make a difference. Love the kid!
Carter - Unstoppable
Aaron - See above. Nothing about his loss to Coleman should worry anyone.
Max - I think its unfair to hold him to the Carter/Aaron level of expectation. He is really, really good but just barely got through last year's NCAA tournament unscathed. A repeat of that this year would be awesome but I don't expect it. 197 is too deep and some of his competitors are monsters in size and he struggles with length.
Greg K - I will be surprised if he doesn't win it this year. His level of quickness and ability to score from all positions is really special for a heavyweight. And he's got the size/strength now to not get squashed by some of the dancing bears.